Is Tums an Alka-Seltzer?

Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) provides quick relief for heartburn, upset stomach, headaches, and general pain. However, you have to take it a few times a day to continue getting relief of your symptoms. Tums (Calcium carbonate) is an effective, first-line medication for hearburn.

What are Tums classified as?

Tums belongs to a group of drugs called antacids. These work by neutralizing stomach acid.

What is equivalent to Alka-Seltzer?

Note: If you don't have Alka-Seltzer ® tablets, you can use a pinch of baking soda and a drop of vinegar instead.

Are Alka seltzers antacids?

Alka-Seltzer Original is an over-the-counter medicine used to treat the symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach with headache or body aches. Alka-Seltzer Original may be used alone or with other medications. Alka-Seltzer Original belongs to a class of drugs called Antacids.

Are Tums acidic or alkaline?

The active ingredient in Tums is the chemical compound calcium carbonate; other antacids use other compounds like potassium, sodium, aluminum, or magnesium bicarbonates. The common denominator here is that they're all alkaline, the opposite of acidic.

How do antacids work?

Who should avoid Tums?

Why you shouldn't take Tums everyday?

But overuse or misuse can sometimes cause unwanted and even serious side effects. In rare cases, you could experience constipation, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. One potential downside of long-term heavy use is that the medication could put you at an increased risk for osteoporosis.

When should you not use Alka-Seltzer?

You should not use this medicine if you have an active stomach ulcer or any kind of bleeding problem. You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to aspirin, caffeine, or any other ingredients listed on the package label. You should not use this medicine during the last 3 months of pregnancy.

Is Alka-Seltzer OK for acid reflux?

Over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums and Alka-Seltzer, are usually effective in alleviating mild discomfort caused by heartburn and acid reflux.

What does Alka-Seltzer do to your stomach?

How Alka-Seltzer works. Alka-Seltzer is a combination of three medications. Citric acid and sodium bicarbonate are antacids that work to relieve indigestion and upset stomach by neutralizing the acid in your stomach.

Is Alka-Seltzer just baking soda?

Is Alka-Seltzer the same as baking soda? Not exactly. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) does not contain anhydrous citric acid, the main active ingredient in Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets that relieve heartburn and acid indigestion.

What else is Alka-Seltzer good for?

Alka-Seltzer is marketed for relief of minor aches, pains, inflammation, fever, headache, heartburn, stomachache, indigestion, acid reflux and hangovers, while neutralizing excess stomach acid. It was launched in 1931. Its sister product, Alka-Seltzer Plus, treats cold and flu symptoms.

Does baking soda work as good as Alka-Seltzer?

Baking soda works to neutralize stomach acid and temporarily relieve some symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. In fact, the active ingredient in some safe and effective OTC antacids, like Alka-Seltzer, is baking soda.

Are TUMS and Pepto-Bismol the same?

Pepto-Bismol and Tums are not the same. They contain different active ingredients and come in different formulations. However, some versions of Pepto-Bismol may contain calcium carbonate, the same active ingredient in Tums.

Can I take 2 TUMS at once?

Adults and children 12 years of age and over: chew and swallow 2-4 tablets as symptoms occur, or as directed by a doctor. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are presently taking a prescription drug.

Is TUMS just chalk?

What are Tums made of? If Tums have a chalky consistency, it's because they're literally made of chalk. Their base is calcium carbonate, a form of mineral calcium found in limestone, chalk, and marble.

Which is better Tums or Alka-Seltzer?

Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) Relieves heartburn. Tums (Calcium carbonate) gives quick relief for heartburn, but does not last all day. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines if you need additional relief.

What can I drink for acid reflux?

Can Tums make acid reflux worse?

After you stop using Tums, it's possible that your heartburn symptoms worsen. This is because your stomach might make more acid (acid rebound) after you stop using Tums.

Should you take Alka-Seltzer on an empty stomach?

Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach. Dissolve in 1/2 cup (4 ounces/120 mL) of water. Drink after the tablets have dissolved all the way.

When is the best time to take Alka-Seltzer?

The medicines of Alka-Seltzer are in the water. Take Alka-Seltzer any time - morning, noon, or night - when you need relief from heartburn, upset stomach, acid indigestion with headache or body aches. Age group directions: Adults and Children 12 Years and Over:: 2 tablets every 4 hours, or as directed by a doctor.

Does Alka-Seltzer make you sleepy?

Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, upset stomach, nausea, nervousness, constipation, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What happens if you take Tums when you don't need it?

Tums, as mentioned, also contains calcium which is absorbed into the body. Although calcium is vital for the bones and overall good health, too much calcium is dangerous and can lead to heart and kidney problems.

What is the safest antacid for long term use?

Results of numerous clinical trials indicate that oral pantoprazole is safe and well tolerated for short-term treatment of GERD and for longer term maintenance therapy in patients with healed erosive esophagitis.

Can you take Tums on an empty stomach?

It's best to take antacids with food or soon after eating because this is when you're most likely to get indigestion or heartburn. The effect of the medicine may also last longer if taken with food.