Pepto Bismol vs Tums

Pepto Bismol vs Tums – detailed comparison:

Pepto Bismol

It is the brand name of a drug called bismuth subsalicylate, which belongs to a group of drugs known as antidiarrheal agents.

Mechanism of Action

It works by decreasing the amount of fluid in the intestines, decreasing intestinal inflammation, and killing pathogenic bacteria.

Uses

This over-the-counter medication is used to treat heartburn, diarrhea, and upset stomach.

In addition, it is used along with antibiotics to treat ulcers believed to be caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.

Dosage

The usual recommended dose is 524 mg orally every 30 to 60 minutes as needed. Do not take more than 8 doses in a 24-hour period.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects may include:

  • black or darkened tongue;
  • dark-colored stools;
  • constipation.

Rare side effects may include:

  • worsened stomach symptoms;
  • diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days;
  • ringing in your ears.

Contraindications

Before taking this medication, tell your healthcare provider if you have:

  • a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding;
  • if you are allergic to salicylates;
  • a stomach ulcer.

Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication since alcohol use can substantially increase the risk of severe side effects.

Drug Interactions

It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:

  • probenecid (Benemid);
  • lovenox;
  • a blood thinner, like – warfarin (Jantoven);
  • other salicylates, like – aspirin, KneeRelief, Kaopectate, or Trilisate;
  • insulin or oral diabetes medications;
  • medications used to prevent blood clots, like – alteplase (Activase) or urokinase (Abbokinase);
  • an antibiotic, like – doxycycline (Doryx), minocycline (Dynacin), cipro, or tetracycline (Ala-Tet, Brodspec).

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Doctors do not recommend pregnant women use this medication, especially pregnant women who have passed their twentieth week of pregnancy.

It is not recommended that you take this medication while breastfeeding a baby.

Tums

It is the brand name of a drug called calcium carbonate, which belongs to a group of drugs known as antacids.

Mechanism of Action

It works by neutralizing stomach acid in the body.

Uses

This over-the-counter medication is used to treat acid indigestion and heartburn. Also, according to recent studies, calcium carbonate can be used as a tool to decrease blood pressure, colon cancer risk, and the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

There are no well-done studies to determine whether this medication could harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant before taking this product.

It is known to pass into breast milk and is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, you should tell your healthcare professional if you are breastfeeding a baby before taking this product.

Dosage

The usual recommended dosage is 2-4 tablets taken with a full glass of water.

Note – do not take more than 15 tablets in a 24 hours period.

Alcohol

This product does not interact with alcohol.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects may include:

  • constipation;
  • increased thirst;
  • urinating more than usual;
  • dry mouth;
  • nausea;
  • vomiting;
  • decreased appetite.

Less common side effects may include:

  • muscle pain or weakness;
  • stomach pain;
  • joint pain;
  • rapid weight gain;
  • confusion;
  • feeling tired or restless.

Drug Interactions

It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:

  • Nimotop (nimodipine);
  • Sprycel (dasatinib);
  • Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate);
  • K-Phos (potassium acid phosphate);
  • Aczone (dapsone);
  • antifungal medications, such as – Sporanox (itraconazole) or Nizoral (ketoconazole);
  • medications for HIV/AIDS, like – Reyataz (atazanavir) or Rescriptor (delavirdine);
  • sodium acid phosphate;
  • sodium phosphate;
  • antibiotics, such as – Arestin (minocycline) or Terramycin (oxytetracycline).

Contraindications

Before taking this medication, notify your healthcare provider if you have the following conditions:

  • pancreas disease;
  • problems absorbing nutrients from food;
  • heart disease;
  • problems with low levels of stomach acid.

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Bottom Line – Pepto Bismol vs Tums  

Pepto Bismol (active ingredient – bismuth subsalicylate) is a medication that can help to decrease heartburn, upset stomach, and nausea. A study on U.S. students in Mexico who were afflicted with diarrhea established that bismuth subsalicylate substantially reduced the frequency of watery stools within 4 to 24 hours.

Tums (active ingredient – calcium carbonate) is an effective, first-line medication for heartburn. This medication is inexpensive and readily available over the counter, plus, it goes to work in seconds to start neutralizing gastric acid in the esophagus.

Regarding their price, the average retail price for 30 tablets of Pepto Bismol is $11, while the average retail price for 30 tablets of Tums is $4.

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References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/pepto-bismol
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1158081
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/05/22/528802722/

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