Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a commonly diagnosed digestive disorder characterised by the regurgitation of gastric contents into the oesophagus. Histamine (H2) receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the primary acid-suppressive medicines used in this condition.^[1] Both Omeprazole and Pantoprazole are PPIs approved by the Food and Drug Administration Agency (FDA) for the treatment of GERD.

Clinical studies have revealed that the efficacy of Pantoprazole (20 mg) and Omeprazole (20 mg) were comparable in maintaining endoscopic and symptomatic remission in patients with healed erosive oesophagitis. The efficacy and tolerability of Pantoprazole (40 mg) and Omeprazole multiple unit pellet system (MUPS) (40 mg) were explored in patients with moderate to severe GERD. It was observed that both these drugs were equivalent in healing after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment in patients with reflux oesophagitis grade II/III. The tolerability and safety of the drugs were also comparable. Another study also reported that the efficacy of Omeprazole MUPS 20 mg and Pantoprazole 40 mg were similar in the management of reflux oesophagitis. The patient satisfaction for these two drugs was also comparable. 

While treating GERD in the geriatric population, other comorbid conditions and concomitant medications should be taken into consideration. Therefore, the drug interaction profile of these drugs needs to be screened to ensure safer therapeutics for the patients. It has been reported that Omeprazole has a higher risk for drug interactions as compared to Pantoprazole. Therefore, Pantoprazole is considered to be safe for elderly patients receiving multiple medications.