Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Pantoprazole vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

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

Key takeaways

Pantoprazole (Protonix) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) are both used to treat stomach-related issues, but they work differently and are used for different conditions. Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid and is used for conditions like GERD and erosive esophagitis. It requires a prescription and is taken once daily, with common side effects including headache and diarrhea. On the other hand, bismuth subsalicylate is an over-the-counter antidiarrheal that treats diarrhea and upset stomach symptoms like nausea and gas. It can be taken every 30 minutes to an hour as needed, and common side effects include nausea and dark-colored stools. Pantoprazole is not available over-the-counter, while bismuth subsalicylate is. Additionally, bismuth subsalicylate should not be used in children under 12 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, whereas pantoprazole can be used in children aged 5 and older for GERD.

  • Pantoprazole (Protonix)
    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
  • Pantoprazole (Protonix)
    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

  • Summary of Pantoprazole vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Summary for Proton pump inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Pantoprazole (Protonix) is a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). It's used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults and children. It's also used to treat other conditions involving too much stomach acid, such as erosive esophagitis, in adults only. Pantoprazole (Protonix) is taken by mouth, typically once daily for most conditions. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include headache and diarrhea. Pantoprazole (Protonix) isn't available over-the-counter (OTC).

    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 Pantoprazole vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Indications for
    •Short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis
    •Other medical conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
    Indications for
    •Diarrhea
    •Travelers' diarrhea
    •Symptoms of upset stomach (e.g., heartburn, indigestion, nausea, gas, belching (burping), fullness)

  • Pros and Cons of Pantoprazole vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Pros and Const for Proton pump inhibitor
    Pros
    •Can continue to use with antacids, such as calcium carbonate
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Oral tablets can be taken without regard to food
    •Available in oral granules and suspension for people with trouble swallowing
    Cons
    •Long-term use might weaken bones and raise the risk of bone fractures
    •Might cause or worsen lupus
    •Interacts with warfarin (Coumadin), which can raise the risk of bleeding
    •Not available over-the-counter
    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 Pantoprazole vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (12%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Belly pain (6%)

    Please note: Side effect percentages are listed for adults with GERD.

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

  • Warnings of Pantoprazole 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 Pantoprazole vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Learn more about Pantoprazole
    Learn more about Bismuth subsalicylate

Compare other Heartburn drugs

Alka Seltzer vs PantoprazolePantoprazole vs AciphexPantoprazole vs DexilantPantoprazole vs MaaloxPantoprazole vs OmeprazolePantoprazole vs Pepto BismolPantoprazole vs RolaidsZegerid vs PantoprazoleAciphex vs NexiumAciphex vs PrilosecAlka Seltzer vs OmeprazoleAlka Seltzer vs RolaidsAlka Seltzer vs ZegeridFamotidine vs OmeprazoleMaalox vs RolaidsNexium vs DexilantNexium vs RolaidsOmeprazole vs AciphexOmeprazole vs CarafateOmeprazole vs DexilantOmeprazole vs MaaloxOmeprazole vs Pepto BismolOmeprazole vs RolaidsPepcid vs RolaidsProtonix vs AciphexProtonix vs DexilantTagamet vs RolaidsTums vs RolaidsZantac vs RolaidsZegerid vs Rolaids
View More

Browse medications

View All

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