Best Proton Pump Inhibitor for heartburn
Top-rated pick: Nexium — pharmaranks score 70/100, the highest of the 8 Proton Pump Inhibitor drugs used for heartburn, ranked by our independent FDA recall-safety score. Compare them with all treatments for heartburn or the full Proton Pump Inhibitor class. Not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Quick answer: Of the 8 proton pump inhibitor drugs we rate for heartburn, 3 are available as lower-cost generics, and most are capsule. Our ranking reflects each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for heartburn; the right choice depends on your situation, so confirm it with your prescriber.
How proton pump inhibitor work
Proton pump inhibitors block the H+/K+ ATPase 'proton pump' in the stomach's acid-making cells, the final step in producing stomach acid. By binding this pump, they sharply and lastingly cut acid output, easing heartburn and helping ulcers heal.
Source: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Other drug classes for heartburn
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Top proton pump inhibitor for heartburn: 1. Nexium · 2. Nexium 24hr · 3. Prilosec OTC
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 70/100 | Prescription | Capsule | No data | — | View → | |
| 2 | 70/100 | Over-the-counter | Capsule | No data | — | View → | |
| 3 | 70/100 | Over-the-counter | Tablet | No data | — | View → | |
| 4 | 66/100 | Prescription | Capsule | No data | — | View → | |
| 5 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | No data | — | View → | |
| 6 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Capsule | Generic | $126 | View → | |
| 7 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Capsule | Generic | $2 | View → | |
| 8 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Powder | Generic | $121 | View → |
Full ranking · 8 drugs
nexium
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium) is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat Duodenal Ulcer, Esophagitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Heartburn.
Price varies
nexium 24hr
Over-the-counterFDA-sourced
Nexium 24hr (Esomeprazole Magnesium) is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat Duodenal Ulcer, Esophagitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Heartburn.
prilosec otc
Over-the-counterFDA-sourced
Prilosec OTC (Omeprazole Magnesium) is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat Duodenal Ulcer, Esophagitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Heartburn.
esomeprazole magnesium
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Esomeprazole Magnesium is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat Duodenal Ulcer, Esophagitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Heartburn.
Price varies
aciphex
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Aciphex (Rabeprazole Sodium) is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat Duodenal Ulcer, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Heartburn, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
Price varies
dexilant
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat Peptic Esophagitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Heartburn.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$121.91/30· 2 forms Save up to 99% in classomeprazole
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat Duodenal Ulcer, Esophagitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Heartburn.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.86/30· 5 formspantoprazole sodium
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Pantoprazole Sodium is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat Esophagitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Heartburn, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$71.22/30· 2 forms Save up to 99% in classFrequently asked
- What is the best proton pump inhibitor for heartburn?
- By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — nexium ranks highest among Proton Pump Inhibitor drugs used for heartburn. Always consult a professional.
- Which proton pump inhibitor drugs treat heartburn?
- pharmaranks lists 8 Proton Pump Inhibitor products used for heartburn, per NIH RxClass drug-classification data — each independently rated and ranked above.
- How are these ranked?
- By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.