Drugs may seem the same but may be radically different

Some drugs, prescribed for the similar conditions may be radically different and carry different risks and benefits. For example, if you have indigestion your doctor may prescribe either Prilosec™ or Prevacid™ for the condition. But indigestion may have very different etiologies (origins): it might caused by too much acid being produced and being regurgitated up into your esophagus – acid reflux (GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease or GERD); or it might be simple overproduction of acid, mostly at night. There are over-the-counter versions of both drugs.
Prilosec™ and its kindred drugs are called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and are most often prescribed for GERD conditions.

• Omeprazole (Prilosec),
• Esomeprazole (Nexium),
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
• Rabeprazole (AcipHex)
• Pantoprazole (Protonix)
• Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
• Zegerid (omeprazole with sodium bicarbonate)

PPIs have been linked to risks including serious kidney damage, bone fractures and possibly dementia.
Prevacid™ and similar meds are histamine 2 blockers (H2 Blockers) and are most often prescribed for simple overproduction of acid.

• Famotidine (Pepcid AC, Pepcid Oral)
• Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)
• Ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75, Zantac Efferdose, Zantac injection, and Zantac Syrup)
• Nizatidine Capsules (Axid AR, Axid Capsules, Nizatidine Capsules)

H2 inhibitors can cause diarrhea, dizziness, rashes, headaches, and even possibly gynecomastia (male breast enlargement.)
There are hundreds of similar-but-not-the-same drug combinations. It is important to read the package inserts when you receive a prescription. Keep your medical dictionary handy.

REFERENCES
Michael M. Phillips, MD, "Proton Pump Inhibitors," MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, April 24, 2017, accessed September 12, 2017, http://tinyurl.com/Medline-PPIs.

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