Alka-Seltzer vs. Tums for Heartburn: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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

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Summary for Alka-Seltzer

Over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Alka-Seltzer

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

Pros and Cons for Alka-Seltzer

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)

Common Side Effects for Alka-Seltzer

See Risks and Warnings

Warnings for Alka-Seltzer

Stomach bleeding and ulcers
Reye's syndrome in children
Allergic reactions

Summary for Tums

Over-the-counter

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 for Tums

Heartburn
Indigestion
Sour or upset stomach

Pros and Cons for Tums

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