Compare Tagamet vs. Tums
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 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
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
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$26.60
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$2.48
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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 review1373 reviews so far
82%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
5%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Tums (Calcium carbonate)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Tagamet (cimetidine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Tums (Calcium carbonate) 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)
No information currently available