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Compare Carafate vs. Prilosec OTC

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

Key takeaways

Sucralfate (Carafate) and omeprazole (Prilosec) are both used to treat conditions related to the stomach, but they work in different ways. Sucralfate is an antiulcer prescription medication that forms a protective barrier over ulcers in the stomach and intestines, helping them heal. It is taken up to 4 times a day on an empty stomach and is available in both tablet and liquid forms. Omeprazole, on the other hand, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces. It is typically taken once daily before breakfast and is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. While sucralfate has few side effects due to minimal absorption, omeprazole can cause headaches, stomach pain, and nausea. Omeprazole also has more serious risks if used long-term, such as bone fractures and low vitamin B12 levels. Additionally, sucralfate can interact with many medications by attaching to them in the stomach, whereas omeprazole can interfere with the effectiveness of other medications like clopidogrel (Plavix).

  • Sucralfate (Carafate)
    Omeprazole (Prilosec)
  • Sucralfate (Carafate)
    Omeprazole (Prilosec)

  • Summary of Carafate vs. Prilosec OTC

    Summary for Antiulcer
    Prescription only

    Sucralfate (Carafate) is a prescription ulcer medication. It treats ulcers in the intestine (duodenal ulcers) in adults. Sucralfate (Carafate) is a protectant; the medication works directly at the site of the ulcer to protect it so it can heal. Although the medication helps ulcers heal, it isn't used to prevent future ulcers. Sucralfate (Carafate) comes in an oral suspension and tablets that are available as brand-name and generic versions. It's taken by mouth up to 4 times per day and it doesn't have many side effects since very little is absorbed from the gut.

    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 Carafate vs. Prilosec OTC

    Indications for
    •Short-term treatment (up to 8 weeks) of duodenal ulcer (open sore in the first part of the small intestine) - tablets and oral suspension
    •Maintenance treatment of duodenal ulcer after it's healed - tablets only
    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 Carafate vs. Prilosec OTC

    Pros and Const for Antiulcer
    Pros
    •Few side effects since the medication doesn't get absorbed into the body
    •Available as tablets, as well as a liquid for people with trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to take 4 times per day on an empty stomach for the first 1 to 2 months
    •Can affect how other medications are absorbed in the stomach since sucralfate (Carafate) creates a layer that covers the stomach lining
    •Risk of high aluminum levels in the body in people with kidney problems
    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 Carafate vs. Prilosec OTC

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (2%)
    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 Carafate vs. Prilosec OTC

    Common Side Effects for
    •High aluminum levels
    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 Carafate vs. Prilosec OTC

    Learn more about Sucralfate
    Learn more about Omeprazole

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