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Compare Prevacid vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

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

Key takeaways

Lansoprazole (Prevacid) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) are both used to treat stomach-related issues, but they have several differences. Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid and is used for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and heartburn. It is available both over-the-counter (OTC) 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 OTC. Lansoprazole is typically taken once daily, while bismuth subsalicylate can be taken every 30 minutes to an hour as needed. Lansoprazole can have long-term side effects like bone fractures and low magnesium levels, whereas bismuth subsalicylate can cause dark-colored tongue and stools, and should not be used for more than 2 days. Additionally, bismuth subsalicylate is not recommended for children under 12 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, while lansoprazole can be prescribed for kids as young as 1 year old for certain conditions.

  • Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
  • Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

  • Summary of Prevacid vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Summary for PPI

    Lansoprazole (Prevacid) a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). It treats heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other similar conditions by lowering the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Lansoprazole (Prevacid) is available over the counter (OTC) for adults only, while providers can prescribe lansoprazole (Prevacid) for children and adults. Lansoprazole (Prevacid) is taken by mouth, typically once daily for most conditions. Although there aren't many noticeable side effects on a day-to-day basis, long-term use of lansoprazole (Prevacid) can raise certain risks like bone fractures.

    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 Prevacid vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Indications for

    For adults only:

    •Frequent heartburn (2 or more days a week) - OTC only
    •Stomach or duodenal ulcer
    •Lower the risk of duodenal ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
    •Lower the risk of stomach ulcer due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
    •Other medical conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

    For adults and children:

    •Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis (EE)
    Indications for
    •Diarrhea
    •Travelers' diarrhea
    •Symptoms of upset stomach (e.g., heartburn, indigestion, nausea, gas, belching (burping), fullness)

  • Pros and Cons of Prevacid vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Pros and Const for PPI
    Pros
    •Can continue to use with antacids, such as calcium carbonate
    •Available as over-the-counter and lower-cost generic options
    •Capsules can be opened and sprinkled over soft foods (e.g., applesauce, yogurt)
    •Typically few to no noticeable day-to-day side effects
    Cons
    •Takes about 3 days for the medication to fully kick in, so not the best choice for immediate heartburn relief
    •Might cause or worsen lupus
    •Long-term use might weaken bones and raise the risk of bone fracture
    •Can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 levels
    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 Prevacid vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Belly pain (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Bitter taste in mouth
    •Diarrhea
    •Dark-colored stools

  • Warnings of Prevacid 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
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Reye's syndrome in children
    •Salicylate toxicity
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Prevacid vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Learn more about Lansoprazole
    Learn more about Bismuth subsalicylate

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