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Compare Nexium vs. Tums

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

Key takeaways

Esomeprazole (Nexium) and calcium carbonate (Tums) 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. It takes a few days to feel its full effects and is taken before meals. On the other hand, calcium carbonate is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid and provides quick relief within minutes. It is available over-the-counter and is also used to treat indigestion and sour stomach. Esomeprazole can have more serious side effects like bone fractures and low magnesium levels with long-term use, while calcium carbonate's main side effect is constipation. Additionally, calcium carbonate can be used as a calcium supplement, whereas esomeprazole cannot.

  • Esomeprazole (Nexium)
    Calcium carbonate
  • Esomeprazole (Nexium)
    Calcium carbonate

  • Summary of Nexium vs. Tums

    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

    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 Nexium vs. Tums

    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
    •Sour or upset stomach

  • Pros and Cons of Nexium vs. Tums

    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
    •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 Nexium vs. Tums

    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
    •Constipation

  • Warnings of Nexium vs. Tums

    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
    •High blood calcium levels
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Nexium vs. Tums

    Learn more about Esomeprazole
    Learn more about Calcium carbonate

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