What Antacids and Bismuth Subsalicylate Do

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Antacids (Alka-Seltzer®, Tums®) relieve heartburn, sour stomach and acid indigestion. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®) relieves upset stomach, indigestion, nausea, heartburn and diarrhea (for ages 12 years and up).

*Alka-Seltzer® is a registered trademark of Bayer HealthCare LLC. Tums® is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline. Pepto-Bismol® is a registered trademark of Procter & Gamble.

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More Tips:

  • Treatments That Are Easy to Swallow

    Medications used to treat heartburn are available in various oral dosage forms, including liquids, tablets, gelcaps and chewables.

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  • Should Tablets Be Chewed or Swallowed?

    Check the package label to determine if tablets should be swallowed whole or chewed before swallowing.

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  • Ask Your Doctor About Drug Interactions

    If you are taking a prescription medication, consult a physician or pharmacist before using a heartburn medication to avoid drug interactions.

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  • Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

    Consult a health professional before using any medication to treat heartburn, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

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  • Children and Heartburn Medication

    Check the package label for each specific product to determine whether the medication can be given to children without consulting a physician. Some medications may be appropriate, but the daily dosage will differ from that of an adult. Over-the-counter PPIs are not for use in children younger than 18 years of age.

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  • Relief and Prevention

    Over-the-counter PPIs such as Pepcid® AC treat frequent heartburn (occurs 2 or more days a week). They are not intended for immediate relief and should be taken for 14 days. They can start working on Day 1 and may take up to 4 days for full effect.

    *Pepcid® AC is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson-Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co.

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  • 3 Kinds of Relief

    Antacids (Mylanta®, Rolaids®) neutralize existing stomach acid through basic chemical reaction. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®) coats the esophagus and acts as a barrier to refluxed gastric acid contents.

    H2 blockers (TagametHB®, Zantac75®) partially block production of acid in stomach cells by inhibiting the action of histamine, a substance that stimulates the secretion of stomach acid.

    *Mylanta® is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson-Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co. Rolaids® is a registered trademark of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. Pepto-Bismol® is a registered trademark of Procter & Gamble. Tagamet HB® is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline, Inc. Zantac 75® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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  • OTC Relief for Frequent Heartburn

    The proton pump inhibitor (PPI) Prilosec OTC® is the leading over-the-counter medication indicated specifically treatment of frequent heartburn. PPIs (Prilosec OTC®, Prevacid 24HR®, Zegerid OTC®) shut down many of the acid pumps in the cells of the stomach, leaving enough acid for normal digestion of food. Prilosec OTC® can provide 24-hour treatment of frequent heartburn with one pill a day when taken as directed for 14 days.

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The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis or recommended treatments. For severe heartburn or heartburn that persists after trying over-the-counter treatment or lifestyle modifications, visit your doctor to determine the right treatment for you. See the Terms and Conditions for more information.