Key takeaways
Alka-Seltzer (citric acid/aspirin/sodium bicarbonate) and Nexium (esomeprazole) are both used to treat heartburn, but they work differently and have different uses. Alka-Seltzer combines antacids and aspirin to quickly relieve heartburn, indigestion, and pain, and is available over-the-counter. It works by neutralizing stomach acid and reducing pain and inflammation. Nexium, on the other hand, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces. It is used for longer-term conditions like GERD and stomach ulcers and is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. While Alka-Seltzer provides immediate relief, Nexium takes a few days to fully kick in. Alka-Seltzer is not recommended for children under 12 or pregnant women due to the aspirin content, whereas Nexium can be used by both adults and children for certain conditions. Additionally, Nexium has significant interactions with some medications like clopidogrel (Plavix), which Alka-Seltzer does not.
