Is it okay to take Omeprazole and Zantac together?

Ulcers are treated with both Omeprazole and Zantac. These two medications have no known interactions. They are, however, prescription-only drugs. If, by chance, your doctor considers the combination of the two, discussed below how both work together.

What is Omeprazole?  

Omeprazole is a generic medicine that is also available under the brand name Prilosec. It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Additionally, it is used to prevent upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

What is Zantac? 

Zantac, commonly known by its generic name Ranitidine, is a drug that reduces the formation of stomach acid. Like Omeprazole, Zantac can also treat the three (3) mentioned diseases above. It may also help those with hives.

Omeprazole vs. Zantac 

How do they work to reduce stomach acid? 

Omeprazole is a “proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)” that blocks the activation of a specific enzyme needed to create stomach acid. As a result, your stomach acid will be reduced. Zantac, on the other hand, works by blocking histamine-2, which prevents acid-producing cells in the stomach from developing. Zantac is also known as a “H2 blocker.”

What are their side effects?

Side effects are possible with all prescribed drugs. The side effects of Omeprazole and Zantac are comparable and  these are listed below.

  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • nausea
  • vomiting

Their differences in side effects are:

  • Zantac may make you feel tired and sleepless. Omeprazole does not cause these side effects. 
  • Omeprazole takers may experience rash and dizziness. These two are negative in Zantac. 

These side effects will not affect everyone. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following.

Which is better? 

Omeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI), and PPIs are most effective during the day, especially when taken before meals. PPIs, on the other hand, are less effective at night. At night, though, Zantac and other H2-receptor blockers are particularly efficient. Just before bedtime is a good time to take Zantac.

Both of these medications lower stomach acid in slightly different ways. Keep this in mind when looking for the best ulcer or GERD medicine.

So, after weighing both medications, what will happen if you combine them? Proton-pump inhibitors and H2 blockers are not mutually exclusive. If your doctor thinks it’s necessary to treat your problem, you can take both Omeprazole and Zantac at the same time.

Other Treatments for Acid Reflux 

Treatment of acid reflux is not only limited to Omeprazole and Zantac. Your choice is vast! Below are some of them. 

Rennie Peppermint

It contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate that neutralizes excess stomach acid by converting it to water and other natural chemicals.

Lansoprazole

It is often known as Prevacid. Lansoprazole is a stomach acid-reducing medicine. 

Esomeprazole

It is available under the name Nexium that can be administered orally or through a vein injection. 

Pantoprazole

It is a drug that is used to treat stomach and esophageal issues. It works by lowering your stomach’s acid production.

Pepto-Bismol

It is a chewable tablet that relieves nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach caused by overeating and drinking, as well as heartburn and indigestion.

Summary 

If your doctor agrees, you can take both Omeprazole and Zantac at the same time. Omeprazole is effective when taken soon after meals during the day. Zantac is more effective when taken in the evening, right before bedtime.