Omeprazole vs. Famotidine: Effectiveness and Side Effects

Key Takeaways

• Both Famotidine (Pepcid) and Omeprazole (Prilosec) are extremely effective at treating gastrointestinal issues. However, there are some differences. For example, Prilosec is in a class of drugs called “PPIs,” while Pepcid is considered an H2 blocker.

• The prices of both medications are generally very similar, especially after coverage with most insurers. However, since both of these options are considered “over-the-counter” medications, most patients opt to purchase these medications out-of-pocket.

• A clinical trial performed in 2005 compared the effectiveness of both drugs treating non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in 98 Japanese patients. These patients were randomly assigned to receive one of the drugs (famotidine or omeprazole). The results of the study showed that Omeprazole provided better symptom relief overall, especially in H. pylori-negative patients. However, both drugs significantly improved health-related quality of life for those suffering gastrointestinal issues.

Famotidine (Pepcid) Dosage, Side Effects, and Use

Based on the label provided by the FDA, Pepcid (Famotidine) can be broken down into the following key parts:

Prilosec (Omeprazole) Dosage, Side Effects, and Use

Based on the label provided by the FDA, Prilosec (Omeprazole) can be broken down into the following key parts:

PPI Medications and H2 Blockers

Both Omeprazole and Famotidine are in a class of over-the-counter drugs. One of the medications belongs in a class of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) while another belongs in a class of H2 Blockers (H2-receptor antagonists). Making them effective at treating issues like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, zollinger-ellison syndrome, and erosive esophagitis.

Here is a breakdown of the key differences in PPIs and H2 blockers.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Omeprazole is in a class of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). These PPIs are a class of medications that work by directly blocking the proton pump in a patient's stomach lining, which is directly responsible for secreting the gastric acid in the stomach. By inhibiting this pump, PPIs reduce the overall production of stomach acid.

This makes them highly effective for treating conditions related to excess stomach acid, such as:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Peptic Ulcer Disease

• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

• Erosive Esophagitis

PPIs are often prescribed for both short-term and long-term treatment of these types of conditions due to their potent acid-suppressing abilities.

H2 Blockers (H2-Receptor Antagonists)

Famotidine belongs to a class of drugs known as H2 blockers or H2-receptor antagonists. These medications work by blocking histamine H2 receptors in the stomach lining, which play a role in signaling the production of gastric acid. By inhibiting these receptors, H2 blockers reduce the production of stomach acid. 

They are used to treat conditions such as:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Peptic Ulcer Disease

• Gastric Ulcers

• Hypersecretory Conditions

H2 blockers are generally effective in the short term, but they may be less effective than PPIs for long-term treatment due to the body developing tolerance, which can lead to a reduced response over time.

Omeprazole (Pepcid) and Famotidine (Prilosec) Comparison Overview

Here is a general overview of the similarities and differences between the two medications:

Omeprazole is generally a little more expensive than Famotidine but is often covered by insurance and Medicare. Depending on your coverage, this can greatly reduce the out-of-pocket cost. For example, some discounts are available at online retailers that can bring down the total out-of-pocket cost to only around $2.

Famotidine is cheaper, with retail prices for a standard supply being around $14.93, and similar discount options bringing the cost down to about $3 at some retailers.

Both medications are generally covered by insurance and Medicare, making them accessible for most patients. The copay amounts vary slightly, with omeprazole generally being a bit cheaper on Medicare.

The side effects for both medications are somewhat similar, with omeprazole having a slightly broader range of potential gastrointestinal side effects. Famotidine is noted to have fewer long-term risks compared to omeprazole.

Effectiveness of Omeprazole (Pepcid) and Famotidine (Prilosec)

A clinical trial performed in 2005 compared the effectiveness of famotidine and omeprazole in treating non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in 98 Japanese patients, where Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is more prevalent. These patients were randomly assigned to receive either famotidine or omeprazole. Omeprazole provided better symptom relief overall, especially in H. pylori-negative patients. Both drugs improved health-related quality of life.

The “H. pylori relief rate” in the table below refers to the percentage of patients achieving complete symptom relief based on their H. pylori infection status. In this study, H. pylori-positive patients had better relief rates with famotidine, while omeprazole was effective regardless of H. pylori status. A patient with a positive test result for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) indicates an infection with the bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers and peptic ulcer disease. The importance of testing patients with H. pylori would indicate a stronger need for relief.