H2 Blockers
H2 blockers are intended to treat unexpected heartburn and lower the amount of acid your stomach produces by blocking the histamine receptors in your stomach that are responsible for triggering acid production. H2 blockers (like PEPCID®) start relieving heartburn symptoms in just 15-30 minutes and control acid for up to 12 hours.
Antacids
Antacids, like Tums®, are intended to treat unexpected heartburn and neutralize the acid in your stomach, but they don’t block production of more acid. Antacids work quickly, but effects may last up to 2 hours per dose.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
PPIs, like Nexium® and Prilosec®, work by shutting down pumps that release acid into your stomach. PPIs require a 14-day regimen, are intended to treat frequent heartburn, and are not intended for immediate relief. In fact, PPIs may take 1-4 days to fully work*. For consistent heartburn relief you’ll need to keep an even more consistent dosing schedule.
*Some consumers will experience complete relief in 24 hours.
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Compare H2 Blocker (PEPCID®) vs. Antacid vs. PPI
PEPCID® is an FDA approved, safe and effective remedy to relieve symptoms of occasional heartburn when used as directed.
H2 Blocker | H2 Blocker | Antacid | Proton Pump | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Product | PEPCID COMPLETE® | Original & Maximum | TUMS® | NEXIUM® 24HR / |
Active Ingredient | Famotidine Calcium Carbonate Magnesium Hydroxide | Famotidine | Calcium Carbonate | Esomeprazole / Omeprazole |
Intended Use | Treats unexpected heartburn | Treats and prevents unexpected heartburn | Treats unexpected heartburn | Treats frequent heartburn |
Adult Dosing | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | 2-4 tablets | 1 pill every day for 14 days |
Onset of Heatburn Relief | Starts to work in seconds2 | Starts to work in minutes1 | Starts to work in seconds2 | Not intended for immediate relief. Can take up to 1-4 days for full effect |
Duration of Acid Control | Up to 12 hours4 | Up to 12 hours4 | Up to 2 hours | Up to 24 hours (when taken once daily for 14 days) |
One Dose Provides Acid Control Through the Night4 | ||||
Prevents Heartburn Before It Happens3 | ||||
Drug Interactions (Per Label) | Ask your doctor or pharmacist before use if you are currently taking a prescription drug. Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs. | Ask your doctor or pharmacist before use if you are currently taking a prescription drug. Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs. | Ask your doctor or pharmacist before use if you are currently taking a prescription drug. Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs. | Ask you doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking: Warfarin, clopidogrel, or cilostazol (blood-thinning medicines); Prescription anti-fungal or anti-yeast medicines; Diogoxin (heart medicine); Diazepam (anxiety medicine); Tacrolimus or mycophenolate mofetil (immune system medicine); Prescription antiretrovirals (medicines for HIV infection); Methotrexate (arthritis medicine) |
1. Starts to relieve heartburn in 15-30 minutes
2. Starts to neutralize acid on contact
3. Prevents heartburn if taken 15-60 minutes before a meal
4. Based on 9 hour acid control studies during the day and 12 hour acid control studies at night. Acid control does not imply symptom relief.
© McNeil Consumer Pharmaceuticals 2021
Third party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.
