Taking Tums With Pepto-Bismol
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Pepto-Bismol can be taken with Tums.
Can Tums and Pepto-Bismol be taken together?
Apr 23, 2022- It's safe to take Tums and Pepto-Bismol together since there is no interaction between them.
- Tums works faster and more effectively as an antacid for heartburn and indigestion, while Pepto-Bismol is more effective for treating diarrhea.
- Long-term use of Tums has been associated with rebound acid reflux, so if heartburn symptoms occur consistently you may need to try other treatment options.
Tums and Pepto-Bismol can safely be taken together as there is no interaction between the two medications.
While Pepto-Bismol has weak antacid properties and may help with heartburn and indigestion, it is more effective for symptoms of diarrhea. Tums generally works faster and more effectively as an antacid.
Pepto-Bismol
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) is classified as an antidiarrheal agent. Not only is it effective for sporadic (i.e. acute) cases of diarrhea, it can be used prophylactically for travelers' diarrhea as it has anti-infective properties. In addition to its beneficial effects for treating diarrhea, it is also used as an antacid and can treat peptic ulcer disease.
Pepto-Bismol works via a variety of mechanisms and is thought to:
- Influence prostaglandin synthesis
- Work as an anti-infective agent (effective against both viruses and bacteria)
- Eradicate H.Pylori bacteria
- Decrease adherence of viral/bacterial infections to the gut wall
- Decrease toxins released from bacteria
- Have antacid properties
Due to the inconsistent way Pepto-Bismol is metabolized, as well as the fact that nearly no Bismuth is absorbed, continual dosing about 30 to 60 minutes apart is sometimes required for optimal effects.
Tums
Tums contains the active ingredient calcium carbonate, and is used to neutralize stomach acid (raise the pH of the stomach) quickly. While there are more effective long-term acid blockers available over the counter (e.g. Pepcid and Prilosec), calcium carbonate products tend to work the fastest to relieve symptoms of heartburn and indigestion as they begin to work immediately after being ingested.
Tums are to be taken on an "as needed" basis and can be dosed anytime symptoms arise. However, long-term use has been associated with "rebound acid reflux" and if your symptoms occur consistently and continually, you may need to try other therapy options.
Taking Pepto-Bismol With Tums
As mentioned above, Pepto-Bismol is safe to take with Tums. There is no interaction between the two and they can be used together safely.
References & sources
- Updated ACG Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of GERD — American Family Physician
- Calcium Carbonate Monograph — PubChem
- Bismuth subsalicylate Monograph — PubChem
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Antacid
- A medication that neutralizes stomach acid to relieve heartburn and indigestion.
- Antidiarrheal agent
- A medication that stops or reduces diarrhea.
- Prophylactically
- Taking medication in advance to prevent an illness or condition from occurring.
- Anti-infective
- A substance that works against infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms.
- Peptic ulcer disease
- A condition where sores develop in the lining of the stomach or small intestine.
- Prostaglandin synthesis
- The body's production of hormone-like substances that regulate inflammation and protect the stomach lining.
- H. Pylori
- A bacterium that can infect the stomach and cause ulcers.
- Rebound acid reflux
- A condition where stomach acid production increases even more after long-term use of acid-reducing medications stops.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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