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Compare Prevalite vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

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

Key takeaways

Cholestyramine (Prevalite) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) are used for different health issues and belong to different medication classes. Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant that helps lower cholesterol and treats itching caused by bile duct blockage. It is available only by prescription and comes in a powder form that you mix with liquids. On the other hand, bismuth subsalicylate is an over-the-counter antidiarrheal that treats diarrhea and upset stomach symptoms like gas and nausea. It comes in various forms, including chewable tablets and liquid. While cholestyramine can cause constipation and requires careful timing with other medications, bismuth subsalicylate can cause dark-colored stools and tongue and should not be used for more than two days. Additionally, bismuth subsalicylate is not safe for children under the age of 12, due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, whereas cholestyramine has no such age restriction.

  • Cholestyramine (Prevalite)
    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
  • Cholestyramine (Prevalite)
    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

  • Summary of Prevalite vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Summary for Bile acid sequestrant
    Prescription only

    Cholestyramine (Prevalite) is used to help lower cholesterol. It can also be used to treat itching caused by bile duct blockage. The medication can cause stomach-related side effects, like constipation, gas, and stomach discomfort.

    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 Prevalite vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Indications for
    •High cholesterol (in combination with diet)
    •Itching caused by bile duct blockage
    Indications for
    •Diarrhea
    •Travelers' diarrhea
    •Symptoms of upset stomach (e.g., heartburn, indigestion, nausea, gas, belching (burping), fullness)

  • Pros and Cons of Prevalite vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Pros and Const for Bile acid sequestrant
    Pros
    •Can help lower cholesterol in people who haven't been able to lower it with diet or exercise
    •Available as an easy-to-use powder formulation that can be mixed with soups, applesauce, crushed pineapple, or pureed fruit
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Can make you feel constipated
    •Need to get your blood checked frequently during the first few months of treatment and periodically thereafter
    •Doesn't lower cholesterol as well as other drugs like statins
    •Can cause tooth discoloration or tooth decay
    •May need to take vitamins A, D, E, K, folic acid, or iron if you're taking this medication for a long time
    •Might not be a good option if you have a blockage in your stomach or intestines
    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 Prevalite vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Mild constipation
    •Stomach discomfort
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Bloating or gas
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Bitter taste in mouth
    •Diarrhea
    •Dark-colored stools

  • Warnings of Prevalite vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Common Side Effects for
    •BOWEL OBSTRUCTION OR BLOCKAGE
    •GREATER RISK OF BLEEDING
    •CONSTIPATION
    •TEETH PROBLEMS
    •INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS
    •LOW FOLIC ACID LEVELS
    •VITAMIN INTERACTIONS
    •PHENYLKETONURIA (PKU)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Reye's syndrome in children
    •Salicylate toxicity
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Prevalite vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Learn more about Cholestyramine
    Learn more about Bismuth subsalicylate

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