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Compare Tagamet HB vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

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

Key takeaways

Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and Rolaids (calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide) are both used to treat heartburn, but they work differently and have different uses. Cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) that reduces stomach acid production and is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription. It can treat heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ulcers. Rolaids, on the other hand, is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid and is only available OTC. It provides quick relief for heartburn and indigestion but doesn't last as long as cimetidine. Cimetidine can interact with many medications and may not work as well over time, while Rolaids can affect the absorption of some medications and is not meant for long-term use. Additionally, cimetidine is available as tablets, whereas Rolaids comes in chewable tablets and soft chews.

  • Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
    Rolaids
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
    Rolaids

  • Summary of Tagamet HB vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Summary for Histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA)

    Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) that lowers how much acid is made in the stomach. The over-the-counter (OTC) version relieves and prevents heartburn in people 12 years and older. Higher strengths of cimetidine are prescription only and are used to treat acid reflux, stomach and gut ulcers, and other stomach acid problems in people 16 years and older. Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) is taken by mouth one to four times a day, depending on what stomach problem you have. This medication has few side effects, which can include headache, dizziness, and diarrhea.

    Summary for Antacid

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

  • Indications of Tagamet HB vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Indications for
    •Heartburn related to indigestion and sour stomach - OTC only
    •Erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - prescription only
    •Gastric and duodenal ulcers - prescription only
    •Conditions that cause too much stomach acid (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) - prescription only
    Indications for
    •Heartburn
    •Indigestion
    •Relief of sour stomach

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

    Pros and Const for Histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA)
    Pros
    •Available as an OTC product for heartburn only
    •Available as a tablets and an oral solution
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications, including warfarin (Coumadin) and propranolol
    •Might not work as well as you continue taking the medication (when taken long-term)
    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 Tagamet HB vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

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

    See Risks and Warnings

  • Warnings of Tagamet HB vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Speak with provider if symptoms don't go away or come back
    •Confusion
    •Drug interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Medication interactions
    •High blood calcium

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

    Learn more about Cimetidine
    Learn more about Rolaids

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