Zantac and Prilosec are two over-the-counter medications that show some differences between them in terms of their purpose, use and composition.
It is important to note that the names Zantac and Prilosec are the names of the two different medications called omerprazole and ranitidine respectively. It is true that both these medications are used in the treatment of heartburn and related acidity problems they have to be viewed differently.
It is true that acid gets produced in the stomach due to the eating of certain substances in out diet. It was found that certain receptors in the stomach produce these acids that cause a kind of burning sensation in the stomach and in the heart. The intake of Zantac puts an end to the heartburn by arresting the work of these receptors in the stomach. This is the main function of Zantac.
On the other hand the function of Prilosec consists in the interruption of the already produced acid by the receptors present in the stomach. This is one of the main differences between Zantac and Prilosec.
Physicians prescribe Prilosec especially in the treatment of a rare condition known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. This is a syndrome wherein the stomach produces too much of acid. On the other hand Zantac is normally not prescribed in the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Both Zantac and Prilosec are prescribed in the treatment of heartburn, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophageal erosion. Zantac and Prilosec differ from each other in terms of the duration of time for which they are prescribed.
As a matter of fact Prilosec is normally prescribed for a period of about 12 weeks or even less in the treatment of any of the diseases mentioned above. On the other hand Zantac is usually prescribed up to a year. This is also one of the main differences between the two medications.
The reason for the increased time frame in the case of the intake of Zantac is that it is given with the sole purpose of preventing the ulcers and esophageal erosion from returning again. Prilosec on the other hand is never prescribed in longer time frames.
Prilosec is considered to have some side effects. On the other hand the side effects that may result from the intake of Zantac are minimal. Prolonged use of Prilosec may cause stomach tumors.