Key takeaways
Alka-Seltzer (citric acid/aspirin/sodium bicarbonate) and cimetidine (Tagamet HB) are both used to treat heartburn, but they work in different ways and belong to different medication classes. Alka-Seltzer is a combination of an antacid and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which helps neutralize stomach acid and relieve pain and inflammation. It is available over-the-counter and is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. On the other hand, cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) that reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, with dosing that can range from once to four times a day depending on the condition being treated. Alka-Seltzer contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding and is not recommended for children under 12 or pregnant women. Cimetidine has fewer side effects but interacts with many other medications, which can affect how well they work. While Alka-Seltzer provides quick relief, cimetidine is often used for longer-term treatment of more serious stomach acid issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and stomach ulcers.
