Compare Tums vs. omeprazole

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

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Tums (Calcium carbonate)

Over-the-counter

Prilosec (omeprazole)

Prescription or OTC
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
Treats heartburn and excess release of stomach acid.

Prilosec (omeprazole) gives you long-lasting heartburn relief but has some risks if used long term.

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4.0/ 5 average rating with 1167 reviewsforomeprazole
Upsides
  • 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.
  • Prilosec (omeprazole) lasts longer (up to 72 hours) than other classes of acid reducers (like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tums).
  • Only take once or twice daily.
  • Can take together with a quick-acting antacid (like Maalox or Tums) for quick relief.
  • Generic and over-the-counter options available.
  • Safe to use in children ages 1 or older.
Downsides
  • 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.
  • Takes up to an hour to start noticing the effects of Prilosec (omeprazole).
  • Prilosec (omeprazole) can interact with other drugs. Let your doctor and pharmacist know what medications you're taking before starting Prilosec (omeprazole).
  • Long-term use of Prilosec (omeprazole) can put you at risk for many health issues such as osteoporosis, low magnesium or vitamin B12 levels, and rebound acid secretion (where your body starts to create more acid than before after stoping Prilosec (omeprazole)).
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Chewable tablet
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Powder
Price
Lowest price
$3.00
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Lowest price
$16.00
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Reviews
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
1167 reviews so far
80%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Prilosec (omeprazole)?

Leave a review
Side effects
The Tums (Calcium carbonate) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
11possible side effects
  • Headache
    7%
  • Abdominal pain
    5%
  • Nausea
    4%
  • Diarrhea
    4%
  • Vomiting
    3%
  • Flatulence
    3%
  • Acid regurgitation
    2%
  • Upper respiratory infection
    2%
  • Constipation
    2%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Rash
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
No information currently available
  • Risk of cancer
  • Lupus
    • History of cutaneous or systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Severe diarrhea associated with C.difficile infection
    • Being hospitalized
    • Antibiotic use
  • Bone fractures
    • Osteoporosis
    • Using high medication doses
    • Long-term therapy (1 year or more)
    • Use of other medications that weaken bones
  • Low Vitamin B12 and Magnesium
    • Taking water pills (Magnesium)
    • Women (Vitamin B12)
    • Over the age of 30 (Vitamin B12)
  • Kidney damage
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Tums (Calcium carbonate)
Learn more about Prilosec (omeprazole)