Tagamet HB vs. Tums for Heartburn: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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calcium carbonate

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Summary for Tagamet HB

Prescription or over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Tagamet HB

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

Pros and Cons for Tagamet HB

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)

Common Side Effects for Tagamet HB

Diarrhea
Headache
Dizziness
Sleepiness

Warnings for Tagamet HB

Speak with provider if symptoms don't go away or come back
Confusion
Drug interactions

Summary for Tums

Over-the-counter

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 for Tums

Heartburn
Indigestion
Sour or upset stomach

Pros and Cons for Tums

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