Compare omeprazole vs. Carafate

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

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Treats heartburn and excess release of stomach acid.

Prilosec (omeprazole) gives you long-lasting heartburn relief but has some risks if used long term.

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4.0/ 5 average rating with 1167 reviewsforomeprazole
Heals ulcers in the intestines.

Carafate (sucralfate) has few side-effects, but is more expensive than other medicines used to treat ulcers.

Upsides
  • Prilosec (omeprazole) lasts longer (up to 72 hours) than other classes of acid reducers (like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tums).
  • Only take once or twice daily.
  • Can take together with a quick-acting antacid (like Maalox or Tums) for quick relief.
  • Generic and over-the-counter options available.
  • Safe to use in children ages 1 or older.
  • Has minimal side effects compared to other medicines used to treat ulcers.
  • Available in liquid formulation if you have difficulty swallowing pill.
Downsides
  • Takes up to an hour to start noticing the effects of Prilosec (omeprazole).
  • Prilosec (omeprazole) can interact with other drugs. Let your doctor and pharmacist know what medications you're taking before starting Prilosec (omeprazole).
  • Long-term use of Prilosec (omeprazole) can put you at risk for many health issues such as osteoporosis, low magnesium or vitamin B12 levels, and rebound acid secretion (where your body starts to create more acid than before after stoping Prilosec (omeprazole)).
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Powder
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$24.33
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Lowest price
$31.50
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Reviews
1167 reviews so far
80%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
11possible side effects
  • Headache
    7%
  • Abdominal pain
    5%
  • Nausea
    4%
  • Diarrhea
    4%
  • Vomiting
    3%
  • Flatulence
    3%
  • Acid regurgitation
    2%
  • Upper respiratory infection
    2%
  • Constipation
    2%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Rash
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Carafate (sucralfate) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Risk of cancer
  • Lupus
    • History of cutaneous or systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Severe diarrhea associated with C.difficile infection
    • Being hospitalized
    • Antibiotic use
  • Bone fractures
    • Osteoporosis
    • Using high medication doses
    • Long-term therapy (1 year or more)
    • Use of other medications that weaken bones
  • Low Vitamin B12 and Magnesium
    • Taking water pills (Magnesium)
    • Women (Vitamin B12)
    • Over the age of 30 (Vitamin B12)
  • Kidney damage
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Increased blood sugar
  • Decreased kidney function
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Prilosec (omeprazole)
Learn more about Carafate (sucralfate)