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Compare Pantoprazole vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

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

Key takeaways

Pantoprazole (Protonix) and Rolaids (calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide) are both used to treat stomach issues, but they work differently and are used for different purposes. Pantoprazole is a prescription-only proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid production and is used for conditions like GERD and erosive esophagitis. It is taken once daily and can have side effects like headache and diarrhea. On the other hand, Rolaids is an over-the-counter antacid that provides quick relief for heartburn and indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid. Rolaids can be taken as needed throughout the day but should not be used at maximum dosage for more than two weeks. Unlike pantoprazole, Rolaids is not meant for long-term use and can interact with the absorption of other medications. While pantoprazole is available in various forms including tablets and injections, Rolaids comes in chewable tablets and soft chews.

  • Pantoprazole (Protonix)
    Rolaids
  • Pantoprazole (Protonix)
    Rolaids

  • Summary of Pantoprazole vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    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 Antacid

    Rolaids is a combination medication containing calcium and magnesium. It provides fast symptom relief for heartburn and indigestion.

  • Indications of Pantoprazole vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    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
    •Heartburn
    •Indigestion
    •Relief of sour stomach

  • Pros and Cons of Pantoprazole vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    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 Antacid
    Pros
    •Provides fast relief for heartburn and indigestion
    •Can buy over the counter (OTC), without a prescription
    •There are tablets and soft chews in a variety of flavors (Rolaids brand)
    Cons
    •Doesn't last as long as other heartburn medications, like famotidine (Pepcid) and omeprazole (Prilosec)
    •Not meant for long-term use
    •Interacts with the absorption of some other medications, such as certain antibiotics

  • Common Side Effects of Pantoprazole vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    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

    See Risks and Warnings

  • Warnings of Pantoprazole vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    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
    •Medication interactions
    •High blood calcium

  • Prices with our coupons for Pantoprazole vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Learn more about Pantoprazole
    Learn more about Rolaids

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