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Compare Alka-Seltzer vs. Tums

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

Key takeaways

Alka-Seltzer (citric acid/aspirin/sodium bicarbonate) and calcium carbonate (Tums) are both over-the-counter medications used to treat heartburn and indigestion, but they have some key differences. Alka-Seltzer is a combination of three ingredients: citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, which are antacids, and aspirin, which is a pain reliever. It comes in dissolvable tablets that you mix with water. On the other hand, calcium carbonate is a single-ingredient antacid available in chewable tablets and oral suspensions. Alka-Seltzer can also help with headaches and body aches due to its aspirin content, while calcium carbonate is sometimes used as a calcium supplement. Alka-Seltzer is not recommended for children under 12 or for pregnant women due to the aspirin, whereas calcium carbonate has specific formulations for children and is generally safe during pregnancy. Additionally, Alka-Seltzer carries a risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers, especially in older adults or those with certain health conditions, while calcium carbonate can cause constipation and, in rare cases, high blood calcium levels.

  • Alka-seltzer
    Calcium carbonate
  • Alka-seltzer
    Calcium carbonate

  • Summary of Alka-Seltzer vs. Tums

    Summary for Antacid / NSAID

    Alka-Seltzer is a medication used to treat symptoms of heartburn, such as upset stomach and headache. While there are multiple products under this brand, this page focuses on the combination medication containing 3 active ingredients: citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and aspirin. It comes as tablets that are dissolved in water. You drink the mixture by mouth, typically every 4-6 hours as needed.

    Summary for Antacid

    Calcium carbonate is an antacid. It's mainly used to relieve symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn and indigestion, for adults and children. Sometimes, providers might prescribe it as a supplement to prevent calcium deficiency. Calcium carbonate is available over the counter in several different formulations, including chewable tablets and oral solutions. Side effects from calcium carbonate are rare, but some people have reported constipation.

  • Indications of Alka-Seltzer vs. Tums

    Indications for
    •Heartburn, indigestion, and sour stomach with headache, body aches, or pain
    •Upset stomach and headache from having too much food or drink
    •Headache, body aches, and pain alone
    Indications for
    •Heartburn
    •Indigestion
    •Sour or upset stomach

  • Pros and Cons of Alka-Seltzer vs. Tums

    Pros and Const for Antacid / NSAID
    Pros
    •Combination of three medications in a single pill
    •Easy to take for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available over the counter
    Cons
    •Might not be safe for children 12 years old and younger
    •Might need to take multiple times per day
    •Might not be safe for people with certain health conditions (e.g. kidney problems, heart problems, high bleeding risk)
    Pros and Const for Antacid
    Pros
    •Works within minutes to treat heartburn symptoms
    •Chewable tablets come in many different flavors for better taste
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available over the counter
    Cons
    •Shouldn't be used for longer than 2 weeks without speaking to a healthcare provider
    •Not the best option if you have high levels of calcium in your body
    •Can raise the risk of kidney stones in some people
    •Might need to take multiple tablets several times throughout the day

  • Common Side Effects of Alka-Seltzer vs. Tums

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation

  • Warnings of Alka-Seltzer vs. Tums

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Reye's syndrome in children
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood calcium levels
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Alka-Seltzer vs. Tums

    Learn more about Alka-seltzer
    Learn more about Calcium carbonate

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