What each one is for, how to take it, side effects and warnings, side by side from the official labels.
| Omeprazole | Esomeprazole | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A stomach acid reducer (PPI) | Not on the label |
| Used for | • treats frequent heartburn (occurs 2 or more days a week) • not intended for immediate relief of heartburn; this drug may take 1 to 4 days for full effect | • treats frequent heartburn (occurs 2 or more days a week) • not intended for immediate relief of heartburn; this drug may take 1 to 4 days for full effect |
| Usual adult dose | Adults 18 years of age and older. | Adults 18 years of age and older. |
| Children | Children under 18 years of age: ask a doctor. | Children under 18 years of age: ask a doctor before use. |
| Prescription (U.S.) | No (over the counter) | No (over the counter) |
| Common side effects | • your heartburn continues or worsens • you need to take this product for more than 14 days • you need to take more than 1 course of treatment every 4 months • you get diarrhea • you develop a rash or joint pain | • your heartburn continues or worsens • you need to take this product for more than 14 days • you need to take more than 1 course of treatment every 4 months • you get diarrhea • you develop a rash or joint pain |
| Pregnancy | If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. | If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. |
From the official U.S. labels. Brands and strengths differ between countries.
The official labels mention them together: Do not use if you are allergic to esomeprazole. Ask a pharmacist before combining them.
Check them togetherOmeprazole is a stomach acid reducer (PPI) and Esomeprazole is a medicine. Omeprazole is used for: • treats frequent heartburn (occurs 2 or more days a week) • not intended for immediate relief of heartburn; this drug may take 1 to 4 days for full effect Esomeprazole is used for: • treats frequent heartburn (occurs 2 or more days a week) • not intended for immediate relief of heartburn; this drug may take 1 to 4 days for full effect
The official labels mention them together: Do not use if you are allergic to esomeprazole. Ask a pharmacist before combining them.
It depends on what you are treating, your health and other medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which one suits you; this page shows what each official label says.