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.
Pepcid is the brand name for the drug famotidine, and Tums is the brand name for 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 low levels of calcium (hypocalcemia).
It comes as a chewable tablet.
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
Can Tums and Pepcid be used together?
People can use Pepcid and Tums together for relief from heartburn and an upset stomach.
There’s a version of Pepcid called Pepcid Complete that contains both famotidine and calcium carbonate in addition to magnesium hydroxide.
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. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
