Zantac vs. Omeprazole

Main Difference

The main difference between Zantac and Omeprazole is that Zantac is less potent in suppressing gastric acid secretion than omeprazole.

Difference Between Zantac and Omeprazole

Comparison Chart

Zantac vs. Omeprazole

Zantac is H-2 receptor blocker; on the other hand, Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. Zantac is a brand name, while Omeprazole is a generic term. Zantac contains ranitidine HCl while Omeprazole is found in its S and R isomer forms. Zantac is suitable to treat nocturnal acidity while Omeprazole suppresses acid secretion in 24 hrs equally. Zantac is preferably prescribed for duodenal ulcers; on the other hand, Omeprazole is preferably prescribed for gastric ulcers and Zollinger Ellison syndrome. Zantac is not available in powdered form while Omeprazole is available in powdered form.

What is Zantac

Zantac is the brand name of ranitidine, which is H2 receptor antagonist. Zantac suppresses the gastric acid secretions about 70% in 24 hrs. Zantac inhibits basal acid secretion, so it is used to suppress the nocturnal acid secretion. Zantac is used to treat the duodenal ulcers because duodenal ulcers are mostly due to the nocturnal acidity, so it is prescribed at evening times to treat duodenal ulcers. Zantac increases the GI motility, but therapeutic effect due to this ability is still unknown. Zantac is an over the counter drug. Zantac is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, and its peak serum concentration is reached in 1-3 hrs. Zantac is more rapidly absorbed in the presence of food, and its absorption is decreased in the presence of antacid. 10% -35% of the Zantac undergoes metabolism through the liver. Zantac and its metabolites are excreted by the kidney, and the excretion through kidneys are important for the dose adjustment of Zantac in patients having decreased creatinine clearance. Zantac shows minor side effects like headache, diarrhea, drowsiness, muscular pain. Zantac also effects CNS and confuses slurred speech. Zantac is also reported for the blood dyscrasias, including thrombocytopenia. Zantac can cross the placenta and excretes in breast milk. Zantac, unlike other H2 receptor antagonists, interferes less with hepatic metabolism of other drugs. Zantac not only treats gastric and duodenal ulcers but also it prevents the occurrence of stress ulcers.

Example

Zantac enteric-coated tablets and injects.

What is Omeprazole

Omeprazole is the Proton pump inhibitor which are potent suppressors of gastric acid secretions, so omeprazole inhibits the proton pumps. Omeprazole inhibits 80% to 90% of the basal and stimulated secretion of gastric acid. omeprazole is also available in it’s in its S-isomer form esomeprazole. Omeprazole is the racemic mixture of its R and S isomers, and S isomer is eliminated less rapidly than R isomer. Omeprazole- S isomer has increased half-life. Omeprazole, like other proton pump inhibitors, is available in the form of a prodrug, which changes into an active form in the presence of the acidic environment. Omeprazole is degraded in an acidic environment, to address this issue it is available enteric-coated drugs enclosed in gelatin capsules, enteric-coated tablets and powered omeprazole in combination with sodium carbonate. Omeprazole shows less absorption in the presence of food. Omeprazole when reaches to small bowl it is rapidly absorbed. Omeprazole has high protein-bound concentration. Omeprazole is metabolized by the hepatic enzymes. Omeprazole requires 2-5 days of therapy to inhibit 70% of the proton pumps. Omeprazole shows adverse effects like headaches, diarrhea, constipation. Omeprazole, when used for the long periods, it decreases the absorption of vitamin b-12. Omeprazole treats gastric, duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Zollinger Ellison syndrome.

Example

Common brands that contain Omeprazole are Prilosec, Losec, etc.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the above discussion is that Zantac and omeprazole both belong to two different drug categories, but both are used to suppress gastric acid secretions.