Compare pantoprazole vs. Pepto-Bismol
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 heartburn, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can help for many stomach and intestinal problems, but may take longer to work compared to some other anti-diarrheal medicines.
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3.9/ 5 average rating with 1376 reviewsforPepto-Bismol
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.
- Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) works well to alleviate stomach and intestinal problems and doesn't have many side effects.
- Comes in easy to take chewable pills or liquid, if you do not like swallowing pills.
- Is inexpensive and available over the counter.
- Coupons are available. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
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.
- May not be as strong as other anti-diarrheal or antacid medications.
- Should not be used for more than 2 days if your diarrhea does not go away or if you have a fever.
- For symptoms other than diarrhea, should not be used for more than 7 days without your doctor's approval. Speak to your doctor if symptoms persist.
Used for
- GERD
- Esophagitis
- Excess stomach acid
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- H.pylori infection
- Prevention of stomach rebleeding
- Stress ulcer prevention
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Upset stomach
- H. pylori treatment
- Traveler's diarrhea
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Packet
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$466.18
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$5.05
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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 review1376 reviews so far
84%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
6%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
8possible side effects
- Headache12%
- Diarrhea9%
- Nausea7%
- Stomach pain6%
- Vomiting4%
- Gas4%
- Dizziness3%
- Joint pain3%
The Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) 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
- Reye's syndrome
- Children or teenagers that have or are recovering from flu/flu-like symptoms or chickenpox
- Allergy to salicylates
- Aspirin allergy
- NSAID allergy
- Hearing problems
- Age 60 or older
- Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants
- Aspirin-containing medications