Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

Omeprazole

(Prilosec)

Get free coupons

Summary for Carafate

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.

Indications for Carafate

  • 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

Pros and Cons for Carafate

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

Common Side Effects for Carafate

  • Constipation (2%)

Warnings for Carafate

  • High aluminum levels

Summary for Prilosec OTC

Prescription or over-the-counter

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 for Prilosec OTC

For adults only:

For adults and children:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Inflamed esophagus due to GERD

Pros and Cons for Prilosec OTC

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

Common Side Effects for Prilosec OTC

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 for Prilosec OTC

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Sucralfate120 tablets / 1g
$26.78$28.99
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Omeprazole30 capsules / 40mg
$8.60$104.49
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Heartburn and GERD drugs

Carafate vs. PrilosecCarafate vs. ZegeridOmeprazole vs. CarafateZantac vs. CarafateAciphex vs. Prilosec
Alka-seltzer vs. OmeprazoleAlka-seltzer vs. PrevacidAlka-seltzer vs. ZantacAlka-seltzer vs. ZegeridFamotidine vs. OmeprazoleOmeprazole vs. AciphexOmeprazole vs. DexilantOmeprazole vs. MaaloxOmeprazole vs. Pepto-bismolOmeprazole vs. RolaidsPantoprazole vs. OmeprazolePepcid vs. PrevacidPrevacid vs. MaaloxPrevacid vs. NexiumPrilosec vs. PrevacidTagamet vs. PrilosecZantac vs. MaaloxZantac vs. Pepto-bismolZantac vs. RolaidsZegerid vs. MaaloxZegerid vs. PantoprazoleZegerid vs. PepcidZegerid vs. RolaidsZegerid vs. TagametZegerid vs. Tums

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.