Alka Seltzer vs. Tums: Acid Busters

Difference between Alka Seltzer and Tums

Heartburn can be quite a bother for everyone, but for some of the more unfortunate, it is something that they have to live with constantly. Chronic heartburn sufferers are well advised to seek more in-depth medical treatment of course, but for the rest of us for whom heartburn is an annoying yet infrequent problem, one of the many anti-heartburn medications would do. Two of the most popular of these are Alka Seltzer and Tums, and it is these two that are the subjects of this comparison article.

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Alka Seltzer is a medication used for the treatment of pain and discomfort caused by excessive stomach acid. Among the conditions that Alka Seltzer aims to relieve are heartburn, upset stomach, and indigestion. This medication is actually an antacid, and it works by reducing the amount of acid present in the stomach.

Tums is also a medication used in the treatment of conditions stemming from excessive stomach acid. Like Alka Seltzer, Tums is also used for the relief of heartburn, upset stomach, and indigestion symptoms.

Precautions

Alka Seltzer is comprised mainly of calcium carbonate, and you should inform your doctor if you are allergic to the substance. Alka Seltzer may also cause adverse reactions in people that have allergies to milk and/or dairy products. In addition, Alka Seltzer also contains many other inactive ingredients that may trigger allergies. It is not advisable top take Alka Seltzer if you have hypercalcemia or stomach or intestinal blockage.

Tums should also be taken with care, and just as with Alka Seltzer, particularly if you have high calcium levels and stomach or intestinal blockage. You should also inform your doctor immediately if you have a history of kidney disease.

Possible Side Effects

With both Alka Seltzer and Tums, uses may experience a great deal of constipation and/or burping, both of which are due to the buildup of gas in the intestines. These side effects are normal for the most part, although you should immediately inform your doctor if they persist or get worse. You should also stop taking Alka Seltzer and Tums and consult with your doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects such as a decrease in appetite, nausea and/or vomiting, unexplained weight loss, pain in the bones and muscles, mood swings and disorientation, headaches, unusual thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained fatigue.

Summary

Alka Seltzer

• Is a medication used for the treatment of pain and discomfort caused by excessive stomach acid
• Relieves heartburn, upset stomach, and indigestion
• Is an antacid that works by reducing the amount of acid present in the stomach
• Contains aspirin

Tums

• Is also a medication used in the treatment of conditions stemming from excessive stomach acid
• Is also used for the relief of heartburn, upset stomach, and indigestion symptoms
• May cause of constipation and/or burping
• Should also be taken with care if you have high calcium levels and stomach or intestinal blockage