Pepto-Bismol and Tum

Both Pepto-Bismol and Tums have antacid effects, which help neutralize stomach acid. Too much stomach acid after eating spicy foods or large meals can sometimes cause a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest and upper abdominal region. Antacids can help relieve these symptoms.

Pepto-Bismol

Pepto-Bismol forms a protective coating over the lower part of your food pipe (oesophagus), and partly coats your stomach. This helps protect them from stomach acid. It also has weak antacid properties that may help reduce too much stomach acid. This will ease feelings of pain and discomfort. Bismuth subsalicylate is the main ingredient in Pepto-Bismol. This medicine is used for heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, diarrhoea, and feeling sick (nausea). Pepto-Bismol comes as tablets and a liquid that you swallow. This medicine can only be bought from pharmacies.

Pepto-Bismol is thought to treat diarrhea by:

increasing the amount of fluid your intestines absorb

reducing inflammation and overactivity of your intestines

preventing your body’s release of a chemical called prostaglandin that causes inflammation

blocking toxins produced by bacteria such as Escherichia coli

killing other bacteria that cause diarrhea

The active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, has antacid properties that can help decrease heartburn, upset stomach, and nausea.

Most side effects from Pepto-Bismol are mild and go away shortly after you stop taking the medication. The more common side effects of Pepto-Bismol include:

black stool

black, hairy tongue

These side effects are harmless. Both effects are temporary and go away within several days after you stop taking Pepto-Bismol.

Ringing in your ears is an uncommon but severe side effect of Pepto-Bismol.

Tums

Tums®, Alka-Seltzer®, and Rolaids® are brands of antacids made of calcium carbonate. This medication is used to treat symptoms caused by too much stomach acid, such as heartburn, upset stomach, or indigestion. It is an antacid that works by lowering the amount of acid in the stomach.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any severe side effects, including loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, unusual weight loss, bone/muscle pain, mental/mood changes (such as confusion), headache, increased thirst/urination, unusual weakness/tiredness, signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects.

Calcium carbonate reacts with stomach acid to form calcium chloride, carbon dioxide, and water. Because of carbon dioxide production in the stomach, belching and excess gas (flatulence) are common side effects of Tums.

Pepto-Bismol and Tums

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves both Pepto-Bismol and Tums to treat heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. These OTC medications may help relieve symptoms like stomach aches, nausea, and gas pains.

Pepto-Bismol can also treat occasional diarrhea, including traveler’s diarrhea and peptic ulcer disease caused by Helicobacter pylori. When used for H. pylori, bismuth subsalicylate is taken with other antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection.

Currently, there are no comprehensive reviews directly comparing Pepto-Bismol and Tums. Studies have shown that bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and calcium carbonate (Tums) are commonly used to treat indigestion because of their acid-reducing effects.

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