In 2020, drugmakers removed all forms of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine (Zantac) from the U.S. market at the request of the FDA. This is because NDMA (a cancer-causing chemical) found in some ranitidine products is a probable carcinogen.

The product was renamed to Zantac 360. The generic name of the product is famotidine. It is also known as a drug. The closest switch was to change the new Zantac to famotidine.

Prilosec OTC and Zantac are used to treat stomach problems. Prilosec OTC and Zantac 360 do not work the same way.

Prilosec OTC and Zantac 360 are available in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) forms. This article covers the OTC versions. Read on to learn more about how Prilosec OTC and Zantac 360 are similar and different. This information can help you decide which drug may be better.

Prilosec OTC is a brand name for the generic drug omeprazole. It works by binding up pumps in your stomach so that they cannot produce acid. Zantac 360 is a brand name for a different drug, famotidine. Zantac 360 blocks a chemical found in your body called histamine that activates stomach acid pumps.

Because Prilosec OTC builds up in your system, it lasts longer and is more potent than Zantac 360. However, Zantac 360 works more quickly than Prilosec OTC because it does not have to build up in your system to work.

You can take Prilosec OTC and Zantac 360 by mouth. The average length of over-the-counter use is 14 days. Similar conditions are treated by these drugs.

  • There is a burning sensation in the stomach.
  • stomach upset

If you need to use them beyond 14-days, the OTC package recommends talking to a healthcare professional.

You can take these medications by prescription.

In addition, Prilosec can also treat H. pylori infection and Barrett’s esophagus.

Prilosec OTC has not been approved by the FDA for self-treatment in children younger than 18 years old. Self-treatment is not recommended for children younger than 12 years old. If the drugs are prescribed by a doctor, they should only be used in children of these ages.

Prilosec OTC is a once-a-day medication with lasting acid reduction for up to 24-hours. However, it works better when you take it on an empty stomach 30- to 60-minutes before a meal. Also, it takes 1–4 days for Prilosec OTC to give you complete relief.

Zantac 360 prevents There is a burning sensation in the stomach. right away when you take it 15-minutes before a meal, and it lasts approximately 12-hours. Also, it works best when you take it twice daily.

Both medications are available in generic forms. The generic versions tend to be cheaper than the brand-name versions. For information on current prices for Prilosec and Zantac, visit GoodRx.com.

Prilosec OTC and Zantac 360 can cause side effects. Their side effects are similar.

  • There is a throbbing head.
  • There is a lot of diarrhea.
  • stomach ache
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • There is gas.
  • It is a problem of the colon.
  • dizziness
  • It is not good to be drowsiness.

These medications can cause more serious side effects. They work in different ways.

Serious side effects of Prilosec OTC can include:

  • There are problems with the bile duct.
  • Symptoms of upper respiratory infections include congestion, sore throat, or cough.
  • The stomach lining is inflammation.
  • Low magnesium and B-12 levels in the blood.
  • gut infection with Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile), causing severe There is a lot of diarrhea.
  • There are bone breaks.

There are serious side effects of the drug.

Although these drugs treat the same problems, they’re different in how they work and break down in your body. As a result, they can interact with other medications. The sections below have examples of drugs that may interact, but this is not a complete list.

Prilosec OTC and Zantac 360 can reduce stomach acid, which can decrease absorption and lower the action of these medications.

  • Iron for anemia.
  • nilotinib is used for cancer.
  • Itraconazole and ketoconazole are used for infections.
  • Sofosbuvir is used for the treatment of the hepatitis.
  • rilpivirine is used for HIV.
  • Ampicillin is used for infections.

Reducing stomach acid is one of the ways that Zantac is able to lower the efficacy of certain medications. This is an advantage of its use. It can cause blood pressure to drop too low by increasing the blood levels of the muscle relaxer tizanidine.

Prilosec OTC has effects on the ability of the body to remove medicines.

Prilosec OTC increases the action of these medicines.

  • saquinavir for HIV–rash with blisters, There are problems with the bile duct., flu-like symptoms
  • digoxin for heart failure–nausea, vomiting, abnormal vision
  • methotrexate is used for cancer, blood, and other problems.
  • It is hard to awaken when you have diazepam, midazolam, and triazolam.
  • It is hard to stop bleeding from the blood thinner warfarin.
  • phenytoin for seizures–falls, clumsy movement, hard to awaken
  • There are low blood magnesium and damage to the heart, kidneys, and the liver in organ transplants.
  • citalopram for depression–irregular heartbeat, sudden heart attack
  • CILostazol is used for blood circulation.
  • glipizide is used for blood sugar too low.

Prilosec OTC causes the following drugs to have different effects.

  • clopidogrel for blood thinning–blood clots that can lead to heart attack and stroke
  • clozapine is used for mental health issues.

Prilosec OTC can be reduced in acid by other drugs.

  • voriconazole is used for fungus.
  • “St. John’s wort is used for depression.”
  • rifampin is used for infections.

If you are unsure about drug interactions, you should check with your pharmacy.

Your health is a factor in deciding if a drug is a good choice. Before using any medication, always consider your health conditions.

Use with other medical conditions

Prilosec OTC and Zantac 360 are not as dangerous as they could be if you have certain health conditions.

If you have, talk to your doctor about Prilosec OTC.

  • The disease of the bile duct.
  • Osteoporosis.
  • history of Clostridioides difficile There is a lot of diarrhea.

If you have a doctor that will lower your doses, talk to him.

  • The low function of the kidneys.
  • advanced age

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Both Prilosec OTC and Zantac 360 are likely safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Zantac 360 may be a first choice since it has a short duration of action, but Prilosec OTC may be needed based on the condition. However, always talk to the doctor before using any drugs while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Both Prilosec OTC and Zantac 360 are similar. Some of their key differences may be included.

  • Prilosec OTC has more drug interactions and long-term side effects than other OTCs, but it has a longer- lasting and stronger action.
  • The strength of the Zantac is not as strong as the one in the 360, but it can last up to 12 hours. The drug does not affect the liver or the kidneys, but it needs to be lowered in older people because of reduced function.

If you have chest or shoulder pain symptoms along with heart palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath, do not take Prilosec OTC or Zantac 360. Instead, seek immediate medical care, as these could be heart attack symptoms.

More questions? If you want to know if Prilosec OTC or Zantac is a good choice for you, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Author Note: If you still have recalled ranitidine products, please take them to a drug take-back site or dispose of them according to the FDA’s guidance.