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Compare Alka-Seltzer vs. Pantoprazole

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

Key takeaways

Alka-Seltzer (citric acid/aspirin/sodium bicarbonate) and pantoprazole (Protonix) are both used to treat stomach issues, but they work differently and are used for different conditions. Alka-Seltzer is an over-the-counter combination of antacids and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which helps with heartburn, indigestion, and pain relief. You dissolve it in water and drink it, and it works quickly to neutralize stomach acid. On the other hand, pantoprazole is a prescription-only proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes. It's used for more serious conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis and is typically taken once daily. While Alka-Seltzer can be used for immediate relief, pantoprazole takes a few days to show noticeable effects. Alka-Seltzer contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding, especially in older adults or those with certain health conditions, whereas pantoprazole can cause long-term side effects like bone fractures and low magnesium levels if used for extended periods.

  • Alka-seltzer
    Pantoprazole (Protonix)
  • Alka-seltzer
    Pantoprazole (Protonix)

  • Summary of Alka-Seltzer vs. Pantoprazole

    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 Proton pump inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Pantoprazole (Protonix) is a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). It's used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults and children. It's also used to treat other conditions involving too much stomach acid, such as erosive esophagitis, in adults only. Pantoprazole (Protonix) is taken by mouth, typically once daily for most conditions. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include headache and diarrhea. Pantoprazole (Protonix) isn't available over-the-counter (OTC).

  • Indications of Alka-Seltzer vs. Pantoprazole

    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
    •Short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis
    •Other medical conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

  • Pros and Cons of Alka-Seltzer vs. Pantoprazole

    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 Proton pump inhibitor
    Pros
    •Can continue to use with antacids, such as calcium carbonate
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Oral tablets can be taken without regard to food
    •Available in oral granules and suspension for people with trouble swallowing
    Cons
    •Long-term use might weaken bones and raise the risk of bone fractures
    •Might cause or worsen lupus
    •Interacts with warfarin (Coumadin), which can raise the risk of bleeding
    •Not available over-the-counter

  • Common Side Effects of Alka-Seltzer vs. Pantoprazole

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (12%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Belly pain (6%)

    Please note: Side effect percentages are listed for adults with GERD.

  • Warnings of Alka-Seltzer vs. Pantoprazole

    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. Pantoprazole

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