Price

• Prilosec costs around $20 a month; Nexium costs about $190 a month.
  
  

Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription

• Prilosec is available over-the-counter; Nexium is available only by prescription.
  
  

Gastric Ulcers

• Approval has been given to Prilosec to treat gastric ulcers no matter what the cause; Nexium is officially limited to treat gastric ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
  
  

Who Came First

• Prilosec became available to the public 1988; Nexium came along in 2001.
  
  

Side Effects

• Prilosec can cause loss of appetite, while Nexium does not.
  
  

For Kids or Not For Kids

• Nexium may be taken by children, though you should be at least 18 to use Prilosec.
  
  

Length of Treatment

• Prilosec has a recommended 14-day treatment plan. Nexium is recommended for a much longer 4- to 8-week plan.