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Omeprazole vs. Carafate

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

Key takeaways

Omeprazole (Prilosec) and Sucralfate (Carafate) are both used to treat conditions related to stomach acid, but they work in different ways. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid by blocking its production, and it can be used for heartburn, GERD, and ulcers. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Sucralfate, on the other hand, is an antiulcer medication that forms a protective barrier over ulcers to help them heal, and it is only available by prescription. Omeprazole is typically taken once daily, while Sucralfate needs to be taken up to four times a day on an empty stomach. Omeprazole can cause side effects like headache and stomach pain, whereas Sucralfate's most common side effect is constipation. Additionally, Sucralfate can interact with many medications by attaching to them in the stomach, so you need to take other medications at different times. Both medications are available in generic forms.

Omeprazole

(Prilosec)

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Sucralfate

(Carafate)

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Summary for Omeprazole

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 Omeprazole

For adults only:

For adults and children:

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

Pros and Cons for Omeprazole

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 Omeprazole

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 Omeprazole

  • 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

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

Prices with our coupons for Omeprazole vs. Carafate

Price Card Drug Icon
Omeprazole30 capsules / 40mg
$8.60$104.49
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Sucralfate120 tablets / 1g
$26.78$28.97
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