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Compare Alka-Seltzer vs. Omeprazole

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

Key takeaways

Alka-Seltzer (citric acid/aspirin/sodium bicarbonate) and Omeprazole (Prilosec) are both used to treat heartburn, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Alka-Seltzer is a combination of an antacid and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which helps neutralize stomach acid and relieve pain and inflammation. It is available over-the-counter and is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Omeprazole, on the other hand, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription and is usually taken once daily before breakfast. Alka-Seltzer provides quick relief but may need to be taken multiple times a day, while Omeprazole takes longer to work but offers longer-lasting relief. Alka-Seltzer contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding and is not recommended for children or pregnant women. Omeprazole can interact with many medications and is not recommended for long-term use due to risks like bone fractures and low vitamin B12 levels. Both medications have generic forms available.

  • Alka-seltzer
    Omeprazole (Prilosec)
  • Alka-seltzer
    Omeprazole (Prilosec)

  • Summary of Alka-Seltzer vs. Omeprazole

    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

    Omeprazole (Prilosec) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Over-the-counter (OTC) omeprazole (Prilosec) can ease heartburn, while the prescription version can treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving too much stomach acid. Omeprazole (Prilosec) is taken by mouth, typically once daily 30 minutes before breakfast. Some of the more common side effects of omeprazole (Prilosec) include headache, stomach pain, and nausea. It's available as both brand name and generic medications.

  • Indications of Alka-Seltzer vs. Omeprazole

    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
    •Stomach or duodenal ulcer
    •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. Omeprazole

    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
    •Typically few to no noticeable day-to-day side effects
    •Provides longer-lasting relief than some other heartburn medications
    •Can use for adults, as well as children with certain medical conditions
    •Available as over-the-counter and lower-cost generic options
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications, such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and clopidogrel (Plavix)
    •Won't provide immediate heartburn relief
    •Usually taken 30 to 60 minutes before eating a meal for best results
    •Not recommended for long-term treatment, except for certain conditions, because of risk of serious side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Alka-Seltzer vs. Omeprazole

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Headache (7%)
    •Belly pain (5%)
    •Nausea (4%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Vomiting (3%)
    •Passing gas (3%)

    Children — similar to the above, with the addition of:

    •Respiratory system problems (up to 75%)
    •Fever (up to 33%)
    •Ear infection (up to 22%)

  • Warnings of Alka-Seltzer vs. Omeprazole

    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
    •Inaccurate lab work

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

    Learn more about Alka-seltzer
    Learn more about Omeprazole

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