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Compare Carafate vs. Zegerid

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

Key takeaways

Sucralfate (Carafate) and Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) are both used to treat ulcers, but they work in different ways. Sucralfate is an antiulcer medication that forms a protective barrier over ulcers to help them heal, and it is taken up to 4 times a day on an empty stomach. In contrast, Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) is a combination of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and an antacid, which reduces stomach acid and is typically taken once daily. Sucralfate is available only by prescription, while Zegerid can be found both over-the-counter and by prescription. Sucralfate has fewer side effects because it is not absorbed into the body, whereas Zegerid can cause more serious 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.

  • Sucralfate (Carafate)
    Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)
  • Sucralfate (Carafate)
    Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)

  • Summary of Carafate vs. Zegerid

    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 / 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 Carafate vs. Zegerid

    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

    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 Carafate vs. Zegerid

    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 / 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 Carafate vs. Zegerid

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

    Common Side Effects for
    •High aluminum levels
    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 Carafate vs. Zegerid

    Learn more about Sucralfate
    Learn more about Zegerid

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