Compare Dexilant vs. Tums

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Treats heartburn.

Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is an effective medicine to treat heartburn, but can be expensive since it is only available as a brand.

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4.7/ 5 average rating with 73 reviewsforDexilant
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.

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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1373 reviewsforTums
Upsides
  • Relieves heartburn symptoms better than other stomach medicines (like Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac).
  • Lasts longer than other alternative stomach medicines.
  • Convenient once daily dosing.
  • Treats GERD in children 12 to 17 years of age.
  • Can be swallowed whole, or contents of the pill can be emptied into applesauce for easy swallowing.
  • Tums (Calcium carbonate) is an effective, first-line medication for hearburn.
  • Tums (Calcium carbonate) starts working in seconds.
  • Has minimal side effects.
  • Available in chewable form.
  • Is inexpensive and readily available over-the-counter.
  • Coupons are available – speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Downsides
  • Similar to other proton pump inhibitors, Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) can weaken bones when taken for a long period of time.
  • Can take a few days before you start to feel the full effects.
  • Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) can affect how other medicines, vitamins, and minerals get absorbed in your body.
  • There's no generic version available, so it can be expensive.
  • Because Tums (Calcium carbonate) only lasts for 1 to 2 hours, you may need additional doses.
  • May increase calcium levels too much in people with kidney or thyroid conditions.
  • May have a chalky taste.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Delayed-release pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Chewable tablet
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$220.90
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Lowest price
$1.81
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Reviews
73 reviews so far
93%
saidit'sworth it
92%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)?

Leave a review
1373 reviews so far
82%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
5%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Tums (Calcium carbonate)?

Leave a review
Side effects
6possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Abdominal pain
    4%
  • Nausea
    3%
  • Upper airway infection
    3%
  • Gas
    3%
  • Vomiting
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Tums (Calcium carbonate) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Possible stomach cancer
  • Kidney inflammation
  • Severe diarrhea
    • Being hospitalized
    • Antibiotic use
  • Bone fractures
    • High dose Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
    • Long-term treatment with Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) (more than 1 year)
    • Low bone mineral density
    • Aged 50 years or older
    • Alcohol
    • Smoking
    • Taking steroids or seizure medicines
  • Low magnesium and vitamin B12 levels
    • Taking digoxin or diuretics
  • Lupus
See more detailed risks and warnings
No information currently available
Learn more about Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
Learn more about Tums (Calcium carbonate)