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Compare Alka-Seltzer vs. Nexium

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Alka-Seltzer (citric acid/aspirin/sodium bicarbonate) and Nexium (esomeprazole) are both used to treat heartburn, but they work differently and have different uses. Alka-Seltzer combines antacids and aspirin to quickly relieve heartburn, indigestion, and pain, and is available over-the-counter. It works by neutralizing stomach acid and reducing pain and inflammation. Nexium, on the other hand, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces. It is used for longer-term conditions like GERD and stomach ulcers and is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. While Alka-Seltzer provides immediate relief, Nexium takes a few days to fully kick in. Alka-Seltzer is not recommended for children under 12 or pregnant women due to the aspirin content, whereas Nexium can be used by both adults and children for certain conditions. Additionally, Nexium has significant interactions with some medications like clopidogrel (Plavix), which Alka-Seltzer does not.

  • Alka-seltzer
    Esomeprazole (Nexium)
  • Alka-seltzer
    Esomeprazole (Nexium)

  • Summary of Alka-Seltzer vs. Nexium

    Summary for Antacid / NSAID

    Alka-Seltzer is a medication used to treat symptoms of heartburn, such as upset stomach and headache. While there are multiple products under this brand, this page focuses on the combination medication containing 3 active ingredients: citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and aspirin. It comes as tablets that are dissolved in water. You drink the mixture by mouth, typically every 4-6 hours as needed.

    Summary for PPI

    Esomeprazole (Nexium) is a medication used to treat conditions that are caused by too much stomach acid, such as heartburn or acid reflux. It's available both with a prescription and over the counter (OTC). Take esomeprazole (Nexium) an hour before a meal so that it can start working before you eat. It can take a couple days for you to feel its full effects, so consider taking other quick-acting antacids in the meantime until the medication effect kicks in.

  • Indications of Alka-Seltzer vs. Nexium

    Indications for
    •Heartburn, indigestion, and sour stomach with headache, body aches, or pain
    •Upset stomach and headache from having too much food or drink
    •Headache, body aches, and pain alone
    Indications for

    For adults only:

    •Heartburn — OTC only
    •Lower the risk of stomach ulcer due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
    •Lower the risk of duodenal ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
    •Other medical conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

    For adults and children:

    •Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    •Inflamed esophagus due to GERD

  • Pros and Cons of Alka-Seltzer vs. Nexium

    Pros and Const for Antacid / NSAID
    Pros
    •Combination of three medications in a single pill
    •Easy to take for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available over the counter
    Cons
    •Might not be safe for children 12 years old and younger
    •Might need to take multiple times per day
    •Might not be safe for people with certain health conditions (e.g. kidney problems, heart problems, high bleeding risk)
    Pros and Const for PPI
    Pros
    •Can continue to use with antacids, such as calcium carbonate
    •Provides longer-lasting relief than some other heartburn medications
    •Available as over-the-counter and lower-cost generic options
    •Granules or pellets inside the capsules can be mixed with water or applesauce, so convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Takes 1 to 4 days for the medication to fully kick in, so not the best choice for immediate heartburn relief
    •Significant interaction with clopidogrel (Plavix), which can raise the risk of blood clot
    •Long-term use might weaken bones and raise the risk of bone fracture
    •Can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 levels

  • Common Side Effects of Alka-Seltzer vs. Nexium

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (4-8%)
    •Belly pain (3-4%)
    •Diarrhea (2-4%)
    •Nausea (2%)
    •Passing gas (more than 1%)
    •Constipation (more than 1%)
    •Dry mouth (more than 1%)

  • Warnings of Alka-Seltzer vs. Nexium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Reye's syndrome in children
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of hiding symptoms of a more serious problem
    •Sudden kidney problems
    •Severe infectious diarrhea
    •Bone fractures
    •Skin reactions
    •Lupus
    •Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels
    •Interaction with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Alka-Seltzer vs. Nexium

    Learn more about Alka-seltzer
    Learn more about Esomeprazole

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