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Compare Pepcid AC vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

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

Key takeaways

Famotidine (Pepcid AC, Zantac 360) and calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide (Rolaids) are both used to treat heartburn, but they work differently and have different uses. Famotidine is a histamine-2 (H2) antagonist that reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes, and it can be used for conditions like stomach ulcers and GERD. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, and it usually needs to be taken twice a day. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, and constipation. On the other hand, Rolaids is an antacid that works by neutralizing stomach acid quickly to relieve heartburn and indigestion. It is available over-the-counter and is taken as needed, but it doesn't last as long as famotidine. Rolaids can interact with other medications and may cause high blood calcium levels, especially if you have kidney problems. While famotidine is generally well-tolerated, Rolaids provides faster relief but is not meant for long-term use.

  • Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
    Rolaids
  • Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
    Rolaids

  • Summary of Pepcid AC vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Summary for Histamine H2 antagonist

    Famotidine (Pepcid AC) is a histamine-2 (H2) antagonist that's used to treat conditions that cause too much stomach acid to build up, such as heartburn and stomach or intestinal ulcers (sores). It starts to work within an hour and lasts for several hours. It's available as a tablet and a liquid, and is taken by mouth twice per day. Side effects of famotidine (Pepcid AC) include headache, dizziness, and constipation.

    Summary for Antacid

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

  • Indications of Pepcid AC vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Indications for

    Over-the-counter (OTC) famotidine

    •Prevention and treatment of heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)

    Prescription famotidine

    •Gastric ulcer (open sore in the stomach)
    •Duodenal ulcer (open sore in the first part of the small intestine)
    •Heartburn (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis due to GERD (inflammation of the esophagus)
    •Other conditions that cause too much stomach acid secretion (i.e., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
    Indications for
    •Heartburn
    •Indigestion
    •Relief of sour stomach

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

    Pros and Const for Histamine H2 antagonist
    Pros
    •Starts to work within an hour and lasts for up several hours
    •Available as both a generic and over-the-counter option
    •If needed, can be used with some other acid-lowering medications, such as antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate (Tums)) or PPIs
    •Generally well-tolerated with little side effects
    •Available as a oral suspension, a good option for people who can't swallow tablets
    Cons
    •Antacids start to work more quickly than famotidine (Pepcid AC)
    •PPIs work better at healing and preventing stomach ulcers than famotidine (Pepcid AC).
    •Needs to be taken twice daily for most conditions
    •Not the best option for people with kidney problems
    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 Pepcid AC vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Constipation
    •Diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings

  • Warnings of Pepcid AC vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Agitation, confusion, and other brain-related side effects
    •Possible risk of cancer
    Common Side Effects for
    •Medication interactions
    •High blood calcium

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

    Learn more about Famotidine
    Learn more about Rolaids

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