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Compare Alka-Seltzer vs. Prevacid

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

Key takeaways

Alka-Seltzer (citric acid/aspirin/sodium bicarbonate) and lansoprazole (Prevacid) are both used to treat heartburn, but they work in different ways and are used for different conditions. Alka-Seltzer combines antacids and aspirin to quickly neutralize stomach acid and relieve pain, making it suitable for short-term relief of heartburn, indigestion, and headaches. It is available over-the-counter and is taken as needed, typically every 4 to 6 hours. However, it contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding and is not recommended for children under 12 or pregnant women. On the other hand, lansoprazole (Prevacid) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is used for longer-term treatment of conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcers, and erosive esophagitis. Lansoprazole is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, and it is usually taken once daily. It takes a few days to start working and is not suitable for immediate relief. Long-term use of Lansoprazole can lead to risks like bone fractures and low magnesium levels. Unlike Alka-Seltzer, lansoprazole does not contain aspirin.

  • Alka-seltzer
    Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
  • Alka-seltzer
    Lansoprazole (Prevacid)

  • Summary of Alka-Seltzer vs. Prevacid

    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

    Lansoprazole (Prevacid) a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). It treats heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other similar conditions by lowering the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Lansoprazole (Prevacid) is available over the counter (OTC) for adults only, while providers can prescribe lansoprazole (Prevacid) for children and adults. Lansoprazole (Prevacid) is taken by mouth, typically once daily for most conditions. Although there aren't many noticeable side effects on a day-to-day basis, long-term use of lansoprazole (Prevacid) can raise certain risks like bone fractures.

  • Indications of Alka-Seltzer vs. Prevacid

    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:

    •Frequent heartburn (2 or more days a week) - OTC only
    •Stomach or duodenal ulcer
    •Lower the risk of duodenal ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
    •Lower the risk of stomach ulcer due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
    •Other medical conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

    For adults and children:

    •Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis (EE)

  • Pros and Cons of Alka-Seltzer vs. Prevacid

    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
    •Available as over-the-counter and lower-cost generic options
    •Capsules can be opened and sprinkled over soft foods (e.g., applesauce, yogurt)
    •Typically few to no noticeable day-to-day side effects
    Cons
    •Takes about 3 days for the medication to fully kick in, so not the best choice for immediate heartburn relief
    •Might cause or worsen lupus
    •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. Prevacid

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Belly pain (2%)

  • Warnings of Alka-Seltzer vs. Prevacid

    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
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

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

    Learn more about Alka-seltzer
    Learn more about Lansoprazole

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