Compare Tums vs. Prevacid

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

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Tums (Calcium carbonate)

Over-the-counter

Prevacid (lansoprazole)

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 stomach ulcers.

Prevacid (lansoprazole) is an effective and inexpensive acid reducer commonly used to provide heartburn relief and help heal ulcers.

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4.0/ 5 average rating with 21 reviewsforPrevacid
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.
  • Most people can take Prevacid (lansoprazole) without any noticeable day-to-day side effects.
  • Comes in a dissolving tablet to be placed on the tongue if you cannot or do not like to swallow pills.
  • Prevacid (lansoprazole) lasts longer than other types of antacids (like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tums), and you only need to take it once a day.
  • You can take it in combination with a quick-acting antacid (like Maalox or Tums) if you need relief right away.
  • Prevacid (lansoprazole) is available over-the-counter and as inexpensive, generic options.
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.
  • Doesn't start working right away like some other acid reducers (Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox).
  • May not be the best choice for patients 65 years of age and older due to risk of bone fractures and C. diff infection (bacterial).
  • Is used if you have frequent heartburns that occur more than 2 days per week. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you only have occasional heartburn.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Chewable tablet
  • Liquid
  • Extended release
  • Dissolving tablet extended release
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$3.25
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Lowest price
$19.00
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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
21 reviews so far
71%
saidit'sworth it
71%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Prevacid (lansoprazole)?

Leave a review
Side effects
The Tums (Calcium carbonate) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
2possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    4%
  • Abdominal pain
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
No information currently available
  • Stomach cancer
  • Acute kidney damage
  • Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD)
  • Bone fractures
    • High dose Prevacid (lansoprazole)
    • Long-term treatment with Prevacid (lansoprazole)
    • Low bone mineral density
    • Older age
  • Lupus
  • Low vitamin or mineral levels
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Tums (Calcium carbonate)
Learn more about Prevacid (lansoprazole)