Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

Bismuth subsalicylate

(Pepto-Bismol)

Get free coupons

Summary for Pantoprazole

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).

Indications for Pantoprazole

Pros and Cons for Pantoprazole

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

Common Side Effects for Pantoprazole

  • Headache (12%)
  • Diarrhea (9%)
  • Nausea (7%)
  • Belly pain (6%)

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

Warnings for Pantoprazole

  • 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 Bismuth subsalicylate

Over-the-counter

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 for Bismuth subsalicylate

Pros and Cons for Bismuth subsalicylate

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 for Bismuth subsalicylate

  • Nausea
  • Bitter taste in mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Dark-colored stools

Warnings for Bismuth subsalicylate

  • Reye's syndrome in children
  • Salicylate toxicity
  • Allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Pantoprazole vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

Price Card Drug Icon
Pantoprazole30 tablets / 40mg
$9.87$16.47
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Bismuth Subsalicylate112 chewable tablets / 262mg
$17.18-
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Heartburn drugs

Alka-seltzer vs. PantoprazolePantoprazole vs. AciphexPantoprazole vs. DexilantPantoprazole vs. MaaloxPantoprazole vs. Omeprazole
Pantoprazole vs. Pepto-bismolPantoprazole vs. RolaidsZegerid vs. PantoprazoleAlka-seltzer vs. MaaloxAlka-seltzer vs. NexiumAlka-seltzer vs. NyquilAlka-seltzer vs. OmeprazoleAlka-seltzer vs. PepcidAlka-seltzer vs. PrevacidAlka-seltzer vs. RolaidsAlka-seltzer vs. TagametAlka-seltzer vs. TumsAlka-seltzer vs. ZantacAlka-seltzer vs. ZegeridMaalox vs. RolaidsMaalox vs. TumsNexium vs. DexilantNexium vs. MaaloxOmeprazole vs. DexilantOmeprazole vs. MaaloxPepcid vs. MaaloxPrevacid vs. MaaloxProtonix vs. DexilantTagamet vs. MaaloxZantac vs. Maalox

Browse medications by letter

Show All

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