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Prilosec (omeprazole), zantac (ranitidine), tagament (cimetidine) & acid reflux/redux

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Prilosec (omeprazole), zantac (ranitidine), tagament (cimetidine) & acid reflux/redux

Hello

I have a fairly simple question. For long term acid reduction and chronic use, which is the least harmful of the three: Prilosec (omeprazole), zantac (ranitidine), or tagament (cimetidine) ?

ive read a few medical reports/journals where each of these has been linked to toxicity, specifically hepatoxicity. but its usually in conjunction with another medication, though studies in rats (albeit with rediculously high levels that no human would consume) were simply hepatoxic yet reversible.

Anyway, ive also read cimetidine has kinda been outdone by ranitidine, in that they are both similar but ranitidine has less adverse reactions or drug-drug interactions that might be toxic (enzyme interaction). I dont see much on omeprazole but its mechanism of action seems more potentially harmful in the long term. zantac and tagament are simply h2 blockers, but omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that seems to be more complex and effect more systems, which i would assume is not good. also omeprazole seems to be linked with more long term problems like heart issues and broken hips (i dont know how it causes broken hips, but whatever)

Is chronic treatment for acid with these a bad idea? Which is the least harmful? What are some potential/toxic side effects of long term effects?

Please help me out with this because i was taking sodium bicarbonate a few times a day (small amounts) but i was told by my pharmacist that this wasnt a good long term idea and he recommended zantac over everything else, but i want some other (expert lol) opinions.

(mod: please place in advanced drug discussion as this pertains to long term/toxicity issues.thx)
 
I want to state that I have very little pharmacology background, so much of what I say is conjecture and assumptions.

My vote (actually my girlfriend's, who has chronic reflux) is omerprazole.

I would think that the histamine blockers would cause the most side effects, since histamine receptors can be found in numerous places. The H2 receptor is found not only in the stomach, but also in the heart, CNS, white blood cells and others. Additionally, Cimetidine inhibits the CYP450 enzyme system, which has a whole host of side affects that go with it.

I know little about proton pump inhibitors but from what I know they target a very specific parietal cell in the stomach and prevent the release of H+ ions that produce HCL. Based on this alone, I think there are probably fewer side affects.

However I also think that taking ANY antacid over long periods of time will be harmful (or at least "less healthy") since less stomach acid = less food broken down and eventually absorbed. On this particular side effect topic, I don't think it matters much whether you're taking Tums, H2 blockers or Proton Pump Inhibitors. All are probably going to cause issues related to inhibited absorption of food (broken hips).

Regarding cardio/hepta/renal toxicity of each chemical for long term use, I'm not sure. Maybe someone with access to journals could help us out on that?
 
I would have to agree with omeprazole. Many people I have spoken to seem to prefer the Rx Nexium (esomeprazole) over omeprazole, however. It is said to be more effective than omeprazole. Nexium is just the S-isomer of omeprazole whereas Prilosec is both the S and R isomers. Nexium is metabolized slower and suppresses acid longer, but it starts to work a little faster than omeprazole.

At first, heart problems were said to be caused by the PPI's, Prilosec and Nexium, but this idea has turned out to be unlikely. They have also been said to increase the risk of fractures due to decreased calcium absorption from the inhibition of gastric acid. This has also turned out to not be non-conclusive and to be a small risk, if any, for the increased risk of fractures.

In conclusion, I would say that of the three that you have listed, omeprazole has the least chance of producing long term side effects compared to the other two.
 
re:Prilosec (omeprazole), zantac(ranitidine),tagament(cimetidine) & acid reflux/redux

Thanks for the replies.

As both of you have said, i have also heard from everyone that takes acid reflux meds that omeprazole is the best for its effect, though the h2 blockers work well .

however, The cardio issues you mentioned with the prilosec are what concerned me, ive read that as well. i also had calcium deficiencies throughout my childhood (i dont know how much now) and my mom has osteoperosis so that was another thing that i didnt like. since i take adderall, i dont want a possible cardiac problem to arise, and then if i a feint and/or fall my hips will break! just kiddin

actually, when i eat something very acidic before my afternoon dose of adderall and i get an acidic reaction (tomatoes kill my stomach but i cant stop eatin pizza or pasta for goodness sake! pizza is possibly the best lunch, quality hand held fast food, ok ill shut up about pizza) i find that zantac almost makes the adderall more effective and well rounded/even. i feel less physical things and more focus and attention and it almost lasts longer, or maybe its smoothness makes it seem like that.

but sodium bicarbonate (regular bakin soda dropped in water) helped with acidity, but not as well as zantac. plus sodium and amphetamine is probably bad for the kidneys, and zantac doesnt have sodium.

i haven tried tagament and i dont think i will because if zantac is better than tagament and prilosec is better than zantac, ill either switch to prilosec or stick with zantac. i guess ill ask my dr when i see him, and ask his opinion. man, i wish prilosec didnt have those problems....

actually, does tagament and omeprazole also have an effect on zantac. i just read on wikipedia that zantac has an interaction problem with adderall. is that true? in what way? i didnt notice any negatives, actually it was positive if anything, no stomach burn from the adderall or anything food related.

BTW, does acid reflux have anything to do with post nasal drip? i was just given flonase, but i havent been taking it because it gave me a nose bleed and i got scared. could i try a salene solution instead? any non medical ways to stop PND?

sorry if i kinda changed topics at the end, but i sometimes feel like my drip is a cause of my stomach issues.

thank you for your help and insights
 
Are you getting post nasal drip from snorting drugs (adderall, etc) or from the flonase? In either case though I'm sure there is a very high likelihood that the two would be related. My gf has suffered from GERD for years and finally went in to get an endoscopy. Turns out she has a hiatal hernia where her esophagus meets her stomach. If your esophagus is being irritated by post nasal drip it could probably trigger the acid reflux you're experiencing. I'd talk to a gastro-doc if omerprazole doesn't help.
 
re: prilosec, zantac, tagemet, acid redux

KAKTI

I have post nasal drip period, without drugs, since i can remember. Always swallowing more than other people, and i didnt even know i had it until someone said to me you swallow and clear your throat like alot, do you have pnd? and i was like what is that? well my point is have had it my whole life, but i didnt know it was a problem (or even a medical condition called PND). i also had anxiety my whole life, but i didnt know it until i was in my teens and saw a psychologist. i thought anxiety was the normal state of feeling. I dont know, i never complained much as a kid so i didnt know i had a bunch of shit wrong with me. its ok tho, im getting it taken care of now. plus im glad i didnt take ANY drugs (as in medical) as a kid, such as for asthma or whatever other conditions require meds at all times. fortunately ive been healthy for the most part, i guess neway.

Saw the doc, and he said i have PND, and The flonase is supposed to STOP my drip. blood is a common side effect because it dries the sinus too much, but i think a dried up and bloody sinus from steroids is probably worse than excess mucus. anyway, i dont think takin it is a great idea anymore. he said saline soluation could be a help, but he also said it wasnt likely.

If my esophogus is what im constantly clearing mucous from, either going "uh-huh" you know the clear throat sound, or having to swallow very seemingly thick feeling pleghm, then its definitely irritation my esophgaus greatly. i think maybe i should see a gastroenterologist and an ENT, which first tho lol.

does saline solution help post nasal drip?

ps i dont sniff drugs, but thanks for asking lol dont shoot, dont sniff, dont bump, dont drink, dont eat, dont do anything....but smoke of course ;)
 
re: prilosec, zantac, tagamet acid reflux

Oh just to clarify, the adderall that i mentioned is prescribed. i was wondering why you asked if i sniffed adderall, and then i realized the connection...but no, like i said, the only illicit material i touch is da ganj, so in that sense, i only smoke (i dont recreationally take my prescriptions, actually i hate taking them to be honest, but if i dont, im fairly unproductive so whatyagonado)
 
Did you have acid reflux all along or did it just start when you started Flonase?
 
Prilosec (omeprazole), zantac (ranitidine), tagament (cimetidine) & acid reflux/redux

kakti: ive always had PND. the flonase was prescribed to stop/lessen it. the dr also suggested saline water sprays instead, but gave me that too.

the acid reflux is something again that i only noticed later in life after hearing people describe symptons and so on, and then when i burped about 10 times in 2 minutes after eating acidic food, someone asked

So i only found out about these things at a late age, and i do not know if one is the cause of the other, or they are mutually related....

either way, i can only assume the PND worsens the reflux and not vice versa (id hope)

id still like both to go away. but the flonase has nothin to do with acid or PND thats for sure.

anyway, i guess Prilosec (Omezprazole) is the one to with then huh?
(zantac and tagamet actually say dont use for more then 2 weeks for some reason)

For these purposes I just needed to know like what would be the best long term (more than 1 month) acid reducer of them all, if theres someting other than omezprazole, prilosec, or zantac, then im open to that too
 
Ranitidine and omeprazole are both highly effective in controlling excess gastric acid secretion, but ranitidine is currently priced much, much more competitively if you know where to shop.

Ranitidine also appears to potentiate amphetamine.
 
I know this was initially posted a while ago, but I thought I throw my dos centavos in.

A few things to consider...

First of all, pizza, (any dairy product for that matter,) creates mucus, so to reduce that PND, you might want to consider reducing your dairy intake. The white flour can cause excess mucus in some people as well - I know it sucks - I'm a pizza lover myself. It's the only reason why I'm not a vegan.

Second, if you're really worried about the long-term effects of taking any of those medications, you may want to consider trying:
Heartburn Free®†with ROH10®

Lasting relief from occasional heartburn for up to six months or more.†

09110.jpg


Overview

Why use an orange peel extract to battle occasional heartburn?
Because orange peel extract works with the body, rather than fighting against it†:

Unlike many traditional products, a clinically-studied orange peel extract will not reduce mineral absorption, inhibit protein digestion, or shut down acid production. Contrary to many common solutions, it works with your body's natural digestive processes.†

Why use Heartburn Free®†with ROH10®?
It provides lasting relief from occasional heartburn for up to six months or more:†

Heartburn Free®†with ROH10® delivers relief from occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach.† With Heartburn Free, every-other-day supplementation brings everyday occasional heartburn relief - your stomach and esophagus will thank you for it.†

After completing the initial regimen, symptoms of occasional heartburn occur much more infrequently.† And, if they do return after the initial 10 capsule regimen, a single capsule of Heartburn Free should provide relief.†

Unique formulation you won't find anywhere else:

Its key ingredient, orange peel extract (ROH10®), provides lasting relief without shutting down the production of stomach acid.† Heartburn Free also doesn't reduce mineral absorption or inhibit protein digestion.†
Click to expand...

Also, you might want to start taking a comprehensive digestive enzyme complex after the first couple of bites of any meal larger than a minor snack, basically anything with more than one food group represented. This will make digestion easier which will (usually) reduce both mucus production and excess acid production Enzymedica makes a decent inexpensive one called "Digest" and the same company as the other product I mentioned (Enzymatic Therapy) makes one formulated specifically for heartburn & acid reflux (which, strangely enough, is actually caused by too little stomach acid.) it's called Acid-Ease
 
to pharmtech09:

You say that nexium and other PPI's may not actually cause decreased calcium absorption and eventually osteoperosis. What makes you believe this over the large study conducted in Britain indicating significant correlation between long term PPI use and bone density issues? My mother has been taking nexium for years, and now has moderate to severe osteoperosis. She recently stopped taking Nexium for the above reason and has switched to cimetidine 200 mg 2x daily (rantidine has more adverse affects for her). Cimetidine seems to be working great, but I can't find much information pertaining to chronic treatment (most info was on 400 mg 2x daily for max 5-6 years for ulcer patients). If Nexium isn't the culprit here, i was thinking nexium in the morning, and a single 200 mg dose of cimetidine for evening relief would be best for her. Otherwise, we'd like to completely avoid Nexium and other PPI's.

Sorry for the long post. Any advice?

Thanks
 
Wish I could help out, this thread brings back a lot. Luckily for my gf, her acid reflux ended up being almost entirely caused by stress related to work. After she quit her job in 2009 and got away from the terrible boss she had nearly all of her symptoms have gone away. Whenever she does get acid reflux now she pops the wonder drugs known as benzo's and everything goes away (I believe there are GABA receptors in your gut, so it's more than just psychological).

Between the stress reduction and occasional benzo I haven't heard her coughing, let alone vomit in probably a year and a half! I hate to recommend benzo's to people but honestly it's been a god-send to her.

As far long-term use of PPI's and the like, still have no access to journals so no idea. Can anyone else help? Also I'd be very interested if someone could do a search for benzodiazepines being used for acid/reflux treatment.
 
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