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Compare Tagamet HB vs. Tums

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

Key takeaways

Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and calcium carbonate (Tums) are both used to treat heartburn, but they work differently and have different uses. Cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) that reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes. It can be used for heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ulcers, and is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription. Calcium carbonate, on the other hand, is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid and is mainly used for heartburn and indigestion. It is available OTC in various forms, including chewable tablets and oral solutions. Cimetidine can interact with many medications and may not work as well over time, while calcium carbonate works quickly but should not be used for more than two weeks without consulting a healthcare professional. Additionally, calcium carbonate can cause constipation and may raise the risk of kidney stones, especially if taken in high amounts.

  • Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
    Calcium carbonate
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
    Calcium carbonate

  • Summary of Tagamet HB vs. Tums

    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

    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 Tagamet HB vs. Tums

    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
    •Sour or upset stomach

  • Pros and Cons of Tagamet HB vs. Tums

    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
    •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 Tagamet HB vs. Tums

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

  • Warnings of Tagamet HB vs. Tums

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Tagamet HB vs. Tums

    Learn more about Cimetidine
    Learn more about Calcium carbonate

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