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Compare Omeprazole vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

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

Key takeaways

Omeprazole (Prilosec) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) are both used to treat stomach-related issues, but they work in different ways and treat different conditions. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid and is used for conditions like GERD, stomach ulcers, and heartburn. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Bismuth subsalicylate, on the other hand, is an antidiarrheal medication that treats diarrhea and symptoms of an upset stomach, such as nausea and gas. It is only available over-the-counter. Omeprazole is typically taken once daily before breakfast, while bismuth subsalicylate can be taken every 30 minutes to an hour as needed. Omeprazole is not recommended for long-term use due to potential serious side effects, whereas bismuth subsalicylate should not be taken for more than two days. Additionally, bismuth subsalicylate can cause dark-colored stools and tongue, while omeprazole may cause headaches and stomach pain.

  • Omeprazole (Prilosec)
    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
  • Omeprazole (Prilosec)
    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

  • Summary of Omeprazole vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    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.

    Summary for Antidiarrheal

    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is a salicylate antidiarrheal medication. It's used to ease diarrhea and symptoms of an upset stomach (e.g., gas, nausea) in adults and kids ages 12 years and older. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once every 30 minutes to an hour, as needed. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is found over the counter in several different formulations, such as chewable tablets and oral solutions. Side effects of this medication include nausea, changes in taste, dark-colored tongue, and black stool.

  • Indications of Omeprazole vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    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
    Indications for
    •Diarrhea
    •Travelers' diarrhea
    •Symptoms of upset stomach (e.g., heartburn, indigestion, nausea, gas, belching (burping), fullness)

  • Pros and Cons of Omeprazole vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    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
    Pros and Const for Antidiarrheal
    Pros
    •Treats a wide variety of stomach-related symptoms
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in chewable tablets or liquid for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Shouldn’t be taken for longer than 2 days
    •Can cause darkening of the tongue or stools
    •Might need to take it multiple times per day
    •Not for children less than 12 years of age due to higher risk of Reye's syndrome

  • Common Side Effects of Omeprazole vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Bitter taste in mouth
    •Diarrhea
    •Dark-colored stools

  • Warnings of Omeprazole vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Reye's syndrome in children
    •Salicylate toxicity
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Omeprazole vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Learn more about Omeprazole
    Learn more about Bismuth subsalicylate

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