Prilosec and Nexium are medications used for heartburn caused by stomach burn. They are both Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), and treat dyspepsia, or indigestion. PPIs are designed to lower the amount of acid in the stomach. Although both these drugs are chemically similar, understanding the difference between them is important.

Prilosec

 

Prilosec, which contains omeprazole, is approved for children for as young as two years old. It is affordable, compared to Nexium. Prilosec was introduced in the markets before Nexium. It contains a mixture of R and S enantiomers of omerprazole. It is prescribed for duodenal ulcers, and all kinds of gastric ulcers. It is also approved for healing problems of hyper-secretory, like Zollinger-Elison Syndrome. No prescription is needed for Prilosec procurement.

 

 

 

Nexium

 

 

Nexium, which contains esomeprazole magnesium, is approved for adults. It is slightly priced above Prilosec. Nexium is a recent discovery. It contains the S enantiomer of omerprazole. It is not prescribed for duodenal ulcers, but prescribed for treating gastric ulcers that are only caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or Helicobacter Pylori. Nexium should be obtained only when prescribed.