Compare Tagamet vs. Alka-Seltzer
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats heartburn.
Tagamet (cimetidine) works well for heartburn, but may have more side effects than other medicines like it.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 632 reviewsforTagamet
Relieves symptoms of indigestion and pain
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.
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3.9/ 5 average rating with 1055 reviewsforAlka-Seltzer
Upsides
- Lasts longer than other medicines like it so you may not need to take it as frequently.
- Affordable as an over-the-counter or generic medicine.
- Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) is a great option if you have an upset stomach and a headache or body aches at the same time.
- Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) works quickly to relieve symptoms.
- Available over the counter without a prescription.
- Also, available as generic and is fairly cheap.
Downsides
- Does not work as fast as antacids like Maalox, Tums, or Rolaids.
- May not work as well if you have an inflammed esophagus. Your doctor will assess which medicine is best for you.
- May not be the best option if you are elderly or have kidney or liver problems.
- Can interfere with how other medicines work.
- The effects of this medication don't last very long. Other medicines, like Zantac (H2 blockers) and omeprazole (proton pump inhibitors), work better and last longer.
- Because this medicine contains aspirin, it raises the risk of bleeding, especially if you take any other blood thinning medicines.
- People who are allergic to aspirin can't use this medication.
- May not like the taste or fizz.
- Kids or teenagers should not use Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) unless instructed by a doctor.
Used for
- Active duodenal ulcer
- Duodenal ulcer prophylaxis
- Active gastric ulcer
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hypersecretory conditions
- Heartburn
- Interstitial cystitis
- Peptic ulcer
- H.pylori treatment
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Effervescent tablet
Price
Lowest price
$18.74
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Reviews
632 reviews so far
63%
saidit'sworth it
36%
saiditworked well
12%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Tagamet (cimetidine)?
Leave a review1055 reviews so far
81%
saidit'sworth it
52%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Tagamet (cimetidine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Confusion
- Elderly
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Dementia
- Drug interactions
- Chronic lung problems
- Asthma
- COPD
- Lung problems
- Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea
- Taking antibiotics
- Englarged breasts in men (gynecomastia)
- Taking the wrong medication
- Not reading the drug label
- Brain damage or death from Reye's Syndrome
- Children 18 years or younger recovering from viral infections
- High blood sodium levels
- Current kidney disease
- Dialysis
- Age 65 or older
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Use of other medicines that can cause kidney damage
- May worsen heart or kidney problems
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- High blood pressure
- Current kidney disease
- Kidney dialysis
- Stomach Bleeding
- History of stomach bleeding or ulcers
- Age 60 or older
- Also taking other blood thinners
- Drinking 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day
- Harm to unborn babies
- Pregnancy