Compare pantoprazole vs. Alka-Seltzer
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
Relieves symptoms of indigestion and pain
Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) provides quick relief for heartburn, upset stomach, headaches, and general pain. However, you have to take it a few times a day to continue getting relief of your symptoms.
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3.9/ 5 average rating with 1055 reviewsforAlka-Seltzer
Upsides
- 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.
- Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) is a great option if you have an upset stomach and a headache or body aches at the same time.
- Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) works quickly to relieve symptoms.
- Available over the counter without a prescription.
- Also, available as generic and is fairly cheap.
Downsides
- 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.
- The effects of this medication don't last very long. Other medicines, like Zantac (H2 blockers) and omeprazole (proton pump inhibitors), work better and last longer.
- Because this medicine contains aspirin, it raises the risk of bleeding, especially if you take any other blood thinning medicines.
- People who are allergic to aspirin can't use this medication.
- May not like the taste or fizz.
- Kids or teenagers should not use Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) unless instructed by a doctor.
Used for
- GERD
- Esophagitis
- Excess stomach acid
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- H.pylori infection
- Prevention of stomach rebleeding
- Stress ulcer prevention
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Packet
- Effervescent tablet
Price
Lowest price
$466.30
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Reviews
584 reviews so far
68%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Protonix (pantoprazole)?
Leave a review1055 reviews so far
81%
saidit'sworth it
52%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
8possible side effects
- Headache12%
- Diarrhea9%
- Nausea7%
- Stomach pain6%
- Vomiting4%
- Gas4%
- Dizziness3%
- Joint pain3%
The Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- 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
- Taking the wrong medication
- Not reading the drug label
- Brain damage or death from Reye's Syndrome
- Children 18 years or younger recovering from viral infections
- High blood sodium levels
- Current kidney disease
- Dialysis
- Age 65 or older
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Use of other medicines that can cause kidney damage
- May worsen heart or kidney problems
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- High blood pressure
- Current kidney disease
- Kidney dialysis
- Stomach Bleeding
- History of stomach bleeding or ulcers
- Age 60 or older
- Also taking other blood thinners
- Drinking 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day
- Harm to unborn babies
- Pregnancy