Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Talicia (omeprazole/amoxicillin/rifabutin) and metronidazole (Flagyl) are both antibiotics, but they treat different types of infections and have different compositions. Talicia is a combination of three medications: omeprazole, amoxicillin, and rifabutin, and is used specifically to treat *Helicobacter pylori* (H. pylori) stomach infections. It is only available as a brand name medication and can be expensive. On the other hand, metronidazole (Flagyl) is a single medication that treats a variety of bacterial and parasitic infections, including bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Metronidazole is available as a lower-cost generic. Talicia is taken as four capsules every 8 hours for 14 days. Metronidazole is also taken every 8 hours, with the dosage and treatment length varying based on the infection. Talicia cannot be used if you have a penicillin allergy, whereas metronidazole has a serious interaction with alcohol and should not be taken with disulfiram. Both medications have common side effects like headache and diarrhea, but Talicia can also cause urine discoloration, and metronidazole can cause a metallic taste in the mouth.
Talicia
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Talicia
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Summary of Talicia vs. Flagyl
Summary for PPI / Penicillin antibiotic / Rifamycin antibiotic
Prescription only
Talicia is an all-in-one combination medication made up of three ingredients: omeprazole, amoxicillin, and rifabutin. It consists of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and two types of antibiotics, all of which are used to treat adults with a stomach infection caused by a bacteria called H. pylori. Omeprazole lowers the amount of stomach acid, allowing the antibiotics to work better and kill the bacteria. The medication is taken by mouth three times a day for 14 days. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and stomach pain.