Pepcid vs. Tums: A detailed guide

Pepcid and Tums are OTC medications that help relieve symptoms of acid reflux, upset stomach, and indigestion.

But they contain different active ingredients and work differently to help relieve these symptoms. An active ingredient is what makes a medication work.

The active ingredient in Pepcid is famotidine. The active ingredient in Tums is calcium carbonate. They help relieve heartburn and indigestion by lowering the acid released in your stomach or by neutralizing it.

Let’s take a look at the differences and similarities between Pepcid and Tums, how they work, and alternatives to manage acid reflux and an upset stomach.

Pepcid vs. Tums

Pepcid and Tums are brand names for OTC drugs that can help relieve symptoms of indigestion and acid reflux. 

Pepcid

Pepcid is the brand name of the drug famotidine.

It can help treat:

• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• damage to the lining of your esophagus caused by stomach acid
• duodenal and stomach ulcers
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition in which your stomach makes too much acid

Pepcid comes as a chewable tablet and as gel capsules and tablets.

How it works

Famotidine, the active ingredient in Pepcid, helps relieve symptoms of heartburn and indigestion by decreasing the production of acid in your stomach. 

Famotidine is a histamine-2 (H2) receptor blocker. This means it blocks the H2 receptor in your stomach that helps release acid. Famotidine helps decrease the production of stomach acid by blocking this receptor.

Side effects

Famotidine can have adverse effects, such as:

• headaches
• dizziness
• constipation
• diarrhea

Tums

Tums is the brand name for the antacid calcium carbonate.

It can help relieve the symptoms of:

• heartburn 
• acid indigestion 
• upset stomach

It can also treat hypocalcemia (low calcium levels).

Tums comes in several types of chewable tablets and in a “soft chew” form. 

How it works

Calcium carbonate has a high pH value, while acid has a low pH value. In this way, calcium carbonate neutralizes acid. 

Side effects

Calcium carbonate can cause adverse effects, such as:

• vomiting
• stomach pain
• constipation
• upset stomach
• dry mouth
• metallic taste
• increased urination
• loss of appetite

—————-

Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes. For $29, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.

Can Tums and Pepcid be used together?

Yes. You can use Pepcid and Tums together for relief from heartburn and an upset stomach. 

There’s also a version of Pepcid called Pepcid Complete that contains both famotidine (the active ingredient in Pepcid) and calcium carbonate (the active ingredient in Tums).

Still, consider talking with your doctor if you have any doubts about taking these two medications together, and check with the doctor or a pharmacist how much of each to take. 

Other antacid options

Other options for managing acid reflux include:

Other OTC antacids, such as:

• Alka-Seltzer
• Gaviscon
• Mylanta
• Rolaids

Other H2 receptor blockers, such as:

• cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
• nizatidine (Axid AR)

Proton pump inhibitors, such as:

• omeprazole (Prilosec)
• lansoprazole (Prevacid)
• esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR)

————-

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

Natural remedies

Some home and natural remedies may also help manage heartburn and stomach upset.

These include:

• ginger
• licorice supplements 
• apple cider vinegar
• peppermint oil
• turmeric

Prevention

Strategies that help prevent heartburn include:

• avoiding foods that may trigger heartburn, such as spicy and greasy foods
• avoiding eating right before bedtime
• avoiding smoking and alcohol, if applicable
• maintaining a moderate weight

Contacting a doctor

If you frequently experience heartburn and stomach upset, consider talking with your doctor.

Also, talk with your doctor if you:

• experience adverse effects from taking Pepcid or Tums
• feel these medications aren’t helping with your symptoms
• have worsening symptoms

If you’re pregnant or taking other medications, contact your doctor to see if Pepcid or Tums are suitable for you.

Summary

Pepcid and Tums are OTC medications that help relieve heartburn, stomach upset, and indigestion.

Both medications help manage the same symptoms, but they have different active ingredients they belong to different classes of drugs.

The active ingredient in Pepcid is famotidine. This is an H2 receptor blocker that works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach produces.

Tums contains calcium carbonate, which is an antacid. It has a high pH level and helps neutralize the acid in your stomach.

Both medications can lead to adverse effects. Talk with your doctor if any of these apply:

• You experience frequent heartburn and stomach problems.
• You have heartburn or stomach problems during a pregnancy.
• You’re taking other medications that might interact with Pepcid or Tums.

—————

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.