Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Tums vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

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

Key takeaways

Calcium carbonate (Tums, Pepto Kids) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) are both over-the-counter medications, but they have several differences. Calcium carbonate is an antacid used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach by neutralizing stomach acid. It can also be used as a calcium supplement. On the other hand, bismuth subsalicylate is an antidiarrheal that treats diarrhea and various stomach symptoms like nausea, gas, and indigestion by slowing down gut movement and helping reabsorb fluids. Calcium carbonate is safe for children as young as 2 years old, while bismuth subsalicylate should not be given to children under 12 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Additionally, calcium carbonate can cause constipation, whereas bismuth subsalicylate may lead to dark-colored tongue and stools. Both medications come in various formulations, including chewable tablets and oral solutions. But they should not be taken for more than a few days without consulting a healthcare professional.

drug combination

See more from our pharmacists

  • Calcium carbonate
    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
  • Calcium carbonate
    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

  • Summary of Tums vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    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.

    Summary for Antidiarrheal

    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is a salicylate antidiarrheal medication. It's used to ease diarrhea and symptoms of an upset stomach (e.g., gas, nausea) in adults and kids ages 12 years and older. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once every 30 minutes to an hour, as needed. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is found over the counter in several different formulations, such as chewable tablets and oral solutions. Side effects of this medication include nausea, changes in taste, dark-colored tongue, and black stool.

  • Indications of Tums vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Indications for
    •Heartburn
    •Indigestion
    •Sour or upset stomach
    Indications for
    •Diarrhea
    •Travelers' diarrhea
    •Symptoms of upset stomach (e.g., heartburn, indigestion, nausea, gas, belching (burping), fullness)

  • Pros and Cons of Tums vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    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
    Pros and Const for Antidiarrheal
    Pros
    •Treats a wide variety of stomach-related symptoms
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in chewable tablets or liquid for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Shouldn’t be taken for longer than 2 days
    •Can cause darkening of the tongue or stools
    •Might need to take it multiple times per day
    •Not for children less than 12 years of age due to higher risk of Reye's syndrome

  • Common Side Effects of Tums vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Bitter taste in mouth
    •Diarrhea
    •Dark-colored stools

  • Warnings of Tums vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood calcium levels
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Reye's syndrome in children
    •Salicylate toxicity
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Tums vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Learn more about Calcium carbonate
    Learn more about Bismuth subsalicylate

Compare other Heartburn drugs

Alka Seltzer vs TumsMaalox vs TumsNexium vs TumsTagamet vs TumsTums vs Pepto BismolTums vs RolaidsZegerid vs TumsAciphex vs NexiumAlka Seltzer vs MaaloxAlka Seltzer vs NexiumAlka Seltzer vs NyquilAlka Seltzer vs OmeprazoleAlka Seltzer vs PantoprazoleAlka Seltzer vs PepcidAlka Seltzer vs PrevacidAlka Seltzer vs RolaidsAlka Seltzer vs TagametAlka Seltzer vs ZantacAlka Seltzer vs ZegeridMaalox vs RolaidsNexium vs DexilantNexium vs MaaloxNexium vs RolaidsOmeprazole vs MaaloxPantoprazole vs MaaloxPepcid vs MaaloxPrevacid vs MaaloxTagamet vs MaaloxZantac vs MaaloxZegerid vs Maalox
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.