Compare Carafate vs. pantoprazole
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Heals ulcers in the intestines.
Carafate (sucralfate) has few side-effects, but is more expensive than other medicines used to treat ulcers.
Treats heartburn and excess release of stomach acid.
Protonix (pantoprazole) is usually only taken once a day for long-lasting heartburn relief, but it can increase your risk of bone fractures if you've used it for a long time.
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 584 reviewsforpantoprazole
Upsides
- Has minimal side effects compared to other medicines used to treat ulcers.
- Available in liquid formulation if you have difficulty swallowing pill.
- Most people can take Protonix (pantoprazole) without any noticeable day-to-day side effects.
- Protonix (pantoprazole) lasts longer than other types of antacids (like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tums), and you only need to take it once or twice a day.
- You can take it with a quick-acting antacid (like Maalox or Tums) if you need relief right away.
- Unlike other proton pump inhibitors, it can be taken with or without food and have the same effectiveness.
- Can be used in children age 5 or older.
Downsides
- Not for long-term use.
- Must be taken frequently, up to 4 times a day, which can be inconvenient.
- Interferes with how a lot of other medicines are absorbed.
- Doesn't start working as fast as some other antacids like Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox.
- Needs to be taken every single day for a certain period of time to be effective.
- Like with other proton pump inhibitors, long-term use can cause weak or broken bones.
- Only available as a prescription medicine, not over the counter.
- Can lower the magnesium level in your body so you may need to take a supplement for it.
Used for
- GERD
- Esophagitis
- Excess stomach acid
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- H.pylori infection
- Prevention of stomach rebleeding
- Stress ulcer prevention
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Packet
Price
Lowest price
$31.38
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$402.96
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Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
584 reviews so far
68%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Protonix (pantoprazole)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Carafate (sucralfate) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
8possible side effects
- Headache12%
- Diarrhea9%
- Nausea7%
- Stomach pain6%
- Vomiting4%
- Gas4%
- Dizziness3%
- Joint pain3%
Risks and risk factors
- Increased blood sugar
- Decreased kidney function
- Weakened bones
- Using multiple daily doses and/or for 1 year or longer
- People age 65 or older
- High risk of bone fractures
- Severe diarrhea
- People who are being treated in the hospital
- Kidney problem
- Lupus
- People with lupus
- Low Vitamin B-12 level
- Taking Protonix (pantoprazole) for more than 3 years
- Low magnesium level
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Digoxin