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Compare Nexium vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

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

Key takeaways

Esomeprazole (Nexium) and Rolaids (calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide) are both used to treat heartburn, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid production and is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. It is used for conditions like GERD, stomach ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. On the other hand, Rolaids is an antacid that provides quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid and is available over-the-counter. Rolaids is used for immediate relief of heartburn, indigestion, and sour stomach but is not meant for long-term use. Esomeprazole takes longer to work but provides longer-lasting relief, while Rolaids works quickly but doesn't last as long. Additionally, esomeprazole can interact with medications like clopidogrel (Plavix) and may affect bone health with long-term use, whereas Rolaids can interfere with the absorption of some medications and may cause high blood calcium levels if you have certain health conditions.

  • Esomeprazole (Nexium)
    Rolaids
  • Esomeprazole (Nexium)
    Rolaids

  • Summary of Nexium vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Summary for PPI

    Esomeprazole (Nexium) is a medication used to treat conditions that are caused by too much stomach acid, such as heartburn or acid reflux. It's available both with a prescription and over the counter (OTC). Take esomeprazole (Nexium) an hour before a meal so that it can start working before you eat. It can take a couple days for you to feel its full effects, so consider taking other quick-acting antacids in the meantime until the medication effect kicks in.

    Summary for Antacid

    Rolaids is a combination medication containing calcium and magnesium. It provides fast symptom relief for heartburn and indigestion.

  • Indications of Nexium vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Indications for

    For adults only:

    •Heartburn — OTC only
    •Lower the risk of stomach ulcer due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
    •Lower the risk of duodenal ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
    •Other medical conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

    For adults and children:

    •Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    •Inflamed esophagus due to GERD
    Indications for
    •Heartburn
    •Indigestion
    •Relief of sour stomach

  • Pros and Cons of Nexium vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Pros and Const for PPI
    Pros
    •Can continue to use with antacids, such as calcium carbonate
    •Provides longer-lasting relief than some other heartburn medications
    •Available as over-the-counter and lower-cost generic options
    •Granules or pellets inside the capsules can be mixed with water or applesauce, so convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Takes 1 to 4 days for the medication to fully kick in, so not the best choice for immediate heartburn relief
    •Significant interaction with clopidogrel (Plavix), which can raise the risk of blood clot
    •Long-term use might weaken bones and raise the risk of bone fracture
    •Can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 levels
    Pros and Const for Antacid
    Pros
    •Provides fast relief for heartburn and indigestion
    •Can buy over the counter (OTC), without a prescription
    •There are tablets and soft chews in a variety of flavors (Rolaids brand)
    Cons
    •Doesn't last as long as other heartburn medications, like famotidine (Pepcid) and omeprazole (Prilosec)
    •Not meant for long-term use
    •Interacts with the absorption of some other medications, such as certain antibiotics

  • Common Side Effects of Nexium vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (4-8%)
    •Belly pain (3-4%)
    •Diarrhea (2-4%)
    •Nausea (2%)
    •Passing gas (more than 1%)
    •Constipation (more than 1%)
    •Dry mouth (more than 1%)
    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings

  • Warnings of Nexium vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of hiding symptoms of a more serious problem
    •Sudden kidney problems
    •Severe infectious diarrhea
    •Bone fractures
    •Skin reactions
    •Lupus
    •Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels
    •Interaction with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Medication interactions
    •High blood calcium

  • Prices with our coupons for Nexium vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Learn more about Esomeprazole
    Learn more about Rolaids

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