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Compare Alka-Seltzer vs. Zegerid

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

Key takeaways

Alka-Seltzer (citric acid/aspirin/sodium bicarbonate) and Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) are both used to treat stomach-related issues, but they work differently and have different uses. Alka-Seltzer is an over-the-counter medication that combines antacids and aspirin to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and pain. It works quickly by neutralizing stomach acid and reducing inflammation. Zegerid, available both over-the-counter and by prescription, combines a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) with an antacid to treat conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcers, and erosive esophagitis. It works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces and is typically taken once daily. Alka-Seltzer is not recommended for children under 12 or pregnant women due to the aspirin content. Zegerid can be used for longer-term treatment under a healthcare professional's guidance. But Zegerid may cause side effects like bone fractures and low magnesium levels with long-term use. Additionally, Zegerid contains sodium, which may not be suitable for those on a low-sodium diet.

  • Alka-seltzer
    Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)
  • Alka-seltzer
    Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)

  • Summary of Alka-Seltzer vs. Zegerid

    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 / Antacid

    Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) is a combination medication used to treat conditions related to having too much stomach acid. This medication is typically taken by mouth once daily. But don't take it longer than what your provider recommends. Doing so raises your risk for side effects, such as bone fractures or low magnesium levels. Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) is available as a powder that can be made into a liquid suspension for people who have trouble swallowing pills.

  • Indications of Alka-Seltzer vs. Zegerid

    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

    Prescription-strength Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) capsules and suspension:

    •Stomach ulcer
    •Duodenal (first part of small intestine) ulcer
    •Heartburn and other symptoms related gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) due to GERD
    •Lower the risk of stomach bleeding in hospitalized people (suspension only)

    OTC Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) capsules:

    •Frequent heartburn

    Konvomep (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) suspension:

    •Stomach ulcer
    •Lower the risk of stomach bleeding in hospitalized people

  • Pros and Cons of Alka-Seltzer vs. Zegerid

    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 / Antacid
    Pros
    •Available over the counter
    •Packet form is a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills
    •Typically taken once daily
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    •Longer-lasting relief than some other medications for heartburn
    Cons
    •Takes 1 to 4 days to ease heartburn
    •Has sodium, so not a good option for people on sodium-restricted diets
    •Typically has to be taken on an empty stomach before meals for best results
    •Can interact with other medications
    •Long-term use can weaken your bones and cause low vitamin B12 and magnesium

  • Common Side Effects of Alka-Seltzer vs. Zegerid

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (3-7%)
    •Stomach pain (2-5%)
    •Diarrhea (3-4%)
    •Nausea (2-4%)
    •Gas (3%)
    •Vomiting (2-3%)

    Please note: These side effects were reported in clinical trials by people who took omeprazole only. The side effects you experience from Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) might differ.

  • Warnings of Alka-Seltzer vs. Zegerid

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Reye's syndrome in children
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Follow up with provider needed
    •Kidney damage
    •Severe skin reactions
    •High sodium content
    •Acid and base out of balance (Milk-alkali syndrome)
    •Severe diarrhea
    •Bone fractures
    •Lupus
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels
    •Small growths in the stomach

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

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    Learn more about Zegerid

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