Key takeaways:
There are several over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help relieve an upset stomach. Many of these target specific symptoms, such as heartburn, diarrhea, or nausea.
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can help with multiple upset stomach symptoms, including nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea. Antacids, such as Tums (calcium carbonate), are good options for heartburn relief, but they don’t usually help with nausea.
To find the best upset stomach medicine for you, choose one that most closely treats your symptoms. Taking medications you don’t need can lead to unwanted side effects, such as constipation or gas.
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Many different things can cause an upset stomach. Common triggers include foods that are overly rich, spicy, or sugary. On top of an unsettled stomach, you may also experience heartburn, diarrhea, or nausea. No matter the cause, you’ll want to find a way to feel better — and fast.
There are many types of over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help you treat and even prevent an upset stomach and nausea. Let’s take a deep dive into the ingredients and side effects of six common upset stomach medicines.
1. Pepto-Bismol for upset stomach
Pepto-Bismol is an OTC upset stomach medicine that can also treat diarrhea. The active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate. Pepto-Bismol works by slowing down movement in your stomach and intestines. It also lessens chemicals that can irritate your stomach.
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To stop diarrhea, Pepto-Bismol helps your body reabsorb fluids, sodium (salt), and chloride. This helps prevent you from losing extra fluids.
Does Pepto-Bismol help with nausea and heartburn?
Yes, Pepto-Bismol can also help treat nausea, heartburn, and other digestive symptoms, including:
Pepto-Bismol side effects
Pepto-Bismol can turn your tongue and stool black. It’s a temporary (and harmless) side effect. But it can last several days after you stop taking it. Exactly how long will depend on your age, bowel habits, and how much medication you’ve used.
You shouldn’t give Pepto-Bismol products that contain bismuth subsalicylate to kids under age 12 without a healthcare professional’s OK. This ingredient is similar to aspirin and can cause a life-threatening issue called Reye’s syndrome in children and adolescents. There’s an aspirin-free Pepto-Bismol product available for kids (Pepto Kids). So check with your pharmacist to make sure you get the right one.
Good to know: Kaopectate is another brand name for bismuth subsalicylate. It has the same uses and side effects as Pepto-Bismol.
2. Mylanta for upset stomach
Mylanta is an OTC medication that contains aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone. There are also versions of Mylanta that contain calcium carbonate instead of aluminum hydroxide.
OTC antidiarrheals: Some upset stomach medicines can also help with diarrhea. Read about what antidiarrheal medications are available over the counter (OTC).
Other tips for upset stomach: Learn other ways you can settle your stomach — from staying hydrated to eating smaller meals.
More than medication: Experts discuss the top gut-healthy foods you may consider adding to your diet.
Mylanta can be used to treat symptoms of upset stomach, including:
Heartburn
Sour stomach
Pressure and bloating from gas
Does Mylanta help with diarrhea?
Mylanta isn’t recommended as a treatment for diarrhea. Magnesium hydroxide, one of the active ingredients in Mylanta, can cause diarrhea. But the aluminum hydroxide ingredient usually helps to limit this side effect for people who aren’t currently experiencing diarrhea.
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Mylanta side effects
The most common side effects of Mylanta include:
Diarrhea
Nausea
Constipation
Some people may experience:
Feeling weak
Tiredness
Loss of appetite
Good to know: Maalox was a brand name for another antacid containing aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone. Brand-name Maalox has been discontinued, but many people still use its name when referring to liquid antacids. It had the same uses and side effects as Mylanta.
3. Tums and Rolaids for upset stomach
Tums and Rolaids are OTC antacid medicines used to treat heartburn. They can also be used for a sour or upset stomach. Tums and Rolaids work by neutralizing stomach acid, offering fast and short-term relief. Both have calcium carbonate as the active ingredient. But Rolaids also has an extra ingredient called magnesium hydroxide.
Do Tums or Rolaids help with diarrhea or gas?
Diarrhea isn’t a labeled use for Tums, and the magnesium hydroxide in Rolaids can actually cause diarrhea. If you have diarrhea, talk with your primary care provider (PCP) or pharmacist about other options.
Tums and Rolaids aren’t labeled to help relieve gas either. And the calcium carbonate they contain can cause gas as a side effect. Your pharmacist or PCP would likely recommend an upset stomach medicine that helps with gas, such as Pepto-Bismol, instead.
Do Tums help with nausea?
If your nausea is due to acid reflux or too much stomach acid, then yes, Tums can help with nausea. Tums help neutralize the acid in your stomach and can help relieve associated symptoms. But antacids don’t help with nausea from other causes, such as illness.
Tums side effects
Side effects of Tums are generally mild. Constipation is the most common. Other mild side effects may include:
Smaller appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Gas
Rolaids side effects
Since Rolaids contain calcium carbonate, it can cause the same side effects as Tums. But because it also contains magnesium hydroxide, it can cause diarrhea for some people.
4. Emetrol for upset stomach
Emetrol (phosphorated carbohydrate) is a common OTC medication that can help relieve nausea from an upset stomach. But the FDA hasn’t evaluated its safety or effectiveness. So it’s best to check with your PCP before considering taking it.
The active ingredients in Emetrol are:
Dextrose (glucose)
Levulose (fructose)
Phosphoric acid
How does Emetrol work?
Experts aren’t sure exactly how Emetrol works. But some experts think it calms the stomach’s muscle contractions (motions) that can lead to vomiting.
It contains fructose, a type of sugar in fruits and juices. So if you have a condition where you can’t digest fructose (like hereditary fructose intolerance), you’ll want to consider other medicines for an upset stomach. This medicine is also not recommended for people living with diabetes.
5. Imodium for diarrhea
Imodium A-D (loperamide) is a popular choice for managing diarrhea. So if that’s your only symptom, you may consider trying this OTC antidiarrheal. Imodium A-D works by slowing the movement of your intestines. It also limits how much fluid enters your bowels. This helps reduce how often you’re going to the bathroom and helps make your stools less watery.
Imodium A-D doesn’t help with other upset stomach symptoms. So if you’re experiencing more than just diarrhea, consider a medication that can treat multiple symptoms, such as Pepto-Bismol.
Imodium side effects
Imodium A-D’s side effects are generally mild. You may experience constipation or fatigue while taking it. If you notice blood in your stools or sudden stomach pain or swelling, get medical help right away. These can indicate more serious intestinal problems, such as a bowel obstruction (blockage).
Imodium A-D also has more drug interactions than many other upset stomach medicines. Before taking it, check with your pharmacist to make sure you can safely take it with your other medications.
6. Dramamine for motion sickness
If your upset stomach is due to motion sickness, consider Dramamine (dimenhydrinate). This antihistamine helps treat and prevent motion sickness symptoms. It works by blocking chemicals in your brain that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Dramamine works better for preventing motion sickness than treating it. So if you know you’re likely to experience it, take a dose about 30 to 60 minutes before the triggering activity. Otherwise, take a dose as soon as you feel motion sickness symptoms. Dramamine isn’t labeled for other upset stomach symptoms.
Dramamine side effects
Dramamine side effects are generally mild. And they should resolve as the medication wears off (about 4 to 6 hours after a dose). These side effects include:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Constipation
Blurry vision
What is the best upset stomach medicine?
The best upset stomach medicine for you depends on the symptoms you’re experiencing and what’s causing it.
Antacids (such as Tums and Rolaids) are a good choice for heartburn and sour stomach. And medicines that contain bismuth subsalicylate (like Pepto-Bismol) can help treat diarrhea and nausea.
| Main uses | Active ingredient(s) | How fast it works | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepto-Bismol |
|
|
30-60 minutes |
| Mylanta |
|
|
Within 20 minutes |
| Tums |
|
|
Within 20 minutes |
| Rolaids |
|
|
Within 20 minutes |
| Emetrol |
|
|
Within 15 minutes |
| Imodium A-D |
|
|
About 1 hour |
| Dramamine |
|
|
About 1 hour |
If you’re not sure which medicine to take for your upset stomach, talk with a healthcare professional. They can review your symptoms and help you decide which option may be best for you.
Frequently asked questions
In general, if your upset stomach feels severe or has been going on for several days, you should see a healthcare professional. Other symptoms that should be evaluated by your healthcare team include:
Stomach pain that gets worse when you touch your stomach
Blood in your stool or vomit
Stool or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Nonstop or persistent vomiting
Whole-body symptoms, such as fever or chills
Dizziness or low blood pressure
Severe bloating, especially if you can’t pass stool or gas
Sleeping on your left side may help with an upset stomach. This is especially true if your symptoms are caused by heartburn or acid reflux. You may also want to elevate the top of your bed by at least 6 inches. Propping your head up with extra pillows is another option if you can’t raise your bed.
Ginger or peppermint tea may help settle your stomach. Other herbal teas, such as chamomile, can be helpful for calming indigestion. You can also try mixing baking soda with room temperature water to create an at-home antacid. If you’re throwing up, consider rehydration solutions (such as Pedialyte) or bone broth. And for diarrhea, helpful drinks include water, electrolyte drinks (such as Gatorade), and kefir (a fermented milk-based beverage).
There’s no evidence that cola syrup helps to treat an upset stomach. It’s also not approved by the FDA to treat an upset stomach. But some people still use this older remedy for nausea and upset stomach.
If your PCP recommends cola syrup, you may be able to find it in the stomach medicine aisle of your grocery store or pharmacy.
In general, if your upset stomach feels severe or has been going on for several days, you should see a healthcare professional. Other symptoms that should be evaluated by your healthcare team include:
Stomach pain that gets worse when you touch your stomach
Blood in your stool or vomit
Stool or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Nonstop or persistent vomiting
Whole-body symptoms, such as fever or chills
Dizziness or low blood pressure
Severe bloating, especially if you can’t pass stool or gas
Sleeping on your left side may help with an upset stomach. This is especially true if your symptoms are caused by heartburn or acid reflux. You may also want to elevate the top of your bed by at least 6 inches. Propping your head up with extra pillows is another option if you can’t raise your bed.
Ginger or peppermint tea may help settle your stomach. Other herbal teas, such as chamomile, can be helpful for calming indigestion. You can also try mixing baking soda with room temperature water to create an at-home antacid. If you’re throwing up, consider rehydration solutions (such as Pedialyte) or bone broth. And for diarrhea, helpful drinks include water, electrolyte drinks (such as Gatorade), and kefir (a fermented milk-based beverage).
There’s no evidence that cola syrup helps to treat an upset stomach. It’s also not approved by the FDA to treat an upset stomach. But some people still use this older remedy for nausea and upset stomach.
If your PCP recommends cola syrup, you may be able to find it in the stomach medicine aisle of your grocery store or pharmacy.
The bottom line
Almost everyone experiences an upset stomach from time to time. Big meals, rich and spicy foods, or sugary treats can bring on unpleasant symptoms — including nausea, diarrhea, and heartburn. Fortunately, there are many different types of over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help treat these problems quickly.
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) is a popular OTC medication that can treat multiple symptoms, including nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea. Antacids, such as Tums (calcium carbonate), can quickly relieve heartburn and acid reflux. But they don’t work for other symptoms, such as nausea.
The best OTC upset stomach medicine for you will depend on your symptoms and the cause. If you aren’t sure, reach out to your primary care provider or pharmacist to find the right approach.
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References
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Sahi, N., et al. (2024). Loperamide. StatPearls.
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The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company. (2024). Rolaids extra strength antacid mint- calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide tablet, chewable [package insert]. DailyMed.
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