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.
Prevacid™ and similar meds are histamine 2 blockers (H2 Blockers) and are most often prescribed for simple overproduction of acid.
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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