Digestive Health Heartburn Treatment The Differences Between Common Proton Pump Inhibitors Why Not All PPIs Are the Same By Sharon Gillson Updated on February 05, 2020 Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD, MS Print Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are common medications used to treat conditions like chronic heartburn or GERD. As implied by the name, all PPIs are similar to one another in how they work. PPIs dosages are generally once a day as their effects are meant to last for 24 hours, and because most are metabolized in the liver, you will want to avoid drinking alcohol while taking them. While these medications are similar, they do differ in what conditions they treat and how they interact with other medications. Marc Andrew Deley / Getty Images Comparison of Common Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Here is a comprehensive list of common proton pump inhibitors, the conditions they treat, and how they are available. AcipHex (raberprazole) Treats peptic and esophageal ulcers, GERD and erosive esophagitis Available by prescription Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) Treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis. Dexilant, as well as Kapidex, can also be used to prevent erosive esophagitis from returning in patients who have been treated for this condition. Available by prescription Nexium (esomeprazole) Treat GERD, stomach and peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome Available by prescription and over-the-counter Prevacid (lansoprazole) Treats and prevents peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis, GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome Available by prescription and over-the-counter Prilosec (omeprazole) Treats peptic ulcers, GERD and erosive esophagitis Available by prescription and over-the-counter Protonix (pantoprazole) Treats erosive esophagitis and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Available by prescription Long-Term Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors On a general note, PPIs are not meant to be taken for long periods of time even though they are available over-the-counter. Recent research has associated chronic use of these medications to heart attack, kidney disease, and increased fracture risk. Always speak to your healthcare provider about the medications that you are taking. 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Drugwatch. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) interactions. Lazarus B, Chen Y, Wilson FP, et al. Proton pump Inhibitor use and the risk of chronic kidney disease. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(2):238-46. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.7193 Additional Reading "Understanding Some of the Medications Often Prescribed for GERD & Ulcers." Common GI Problems: Volume 1. American College of Gastroenterology. Kenneth R. DeVault M.D., F.A.C.G., and Donald O. Castell M.D., M.A.C.G., "Updated Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease." doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.41217.x. American College of Gastroenterology. Nicholas J. Talley, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.G.,1 Nimish Vakil, M.D., F.A.C.G., "Guidelines for the Management of Dyspepsia." doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.00225.x. American College of Gastroenterology. By Sharon Gillson Sharon Gillson is a writer living with and covering GERD and other digestive issues. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies