The 18 best heartburn tablet brands
TUMS, PEPCID and Alka-Seltzer lead our ranking of 18 heartburn tablet brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Heartburn Tablet brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
TUMS
Calcium carbonate chewables in many formats, from classic tablets to chewy bites and smoothie-style pieces, for fast relief.
Top products: Chewy Bites· Smoothies· Heartburn Plus
Website: tums.com |Brands like TUMS
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
PEPCID
Famotidine blocker that reduces acid production over several hours rather than neutralising acid on contact, so it suits prevention.
Top products: Pepcid AC Maximum Strength
Website: pepcid.com |Brands like PEPCID
Popularity 7.9/10
-
3
Alka-Seltzer
Dissolving fizzy tablets in water for quick relief, and some versions contain aspirin, so read the label before use.
Top products: Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength Heartburn Relief· Alka-Seltzer Heartburn Relief Lemon Lime
Website: alkaseltzer.com |Brands like Alka-Seltzer
Popularity 5.7/10
-
4
Pepto-Bismol
Bismuth subsalicylate that coats the stomach, aimed more at upset stomach and indigestion than acid heartburn specifically.
Top products: Chewable Tablets
Website: pepto-bismol.com |Brands like Pepto-Bismol
Popularity 5.2/10
-
5
Kirkland Signature
Costco's private label, sold in bulk packs with a generic calcium carbonate antacid and an omeprazole tablet.
Top products: Ultra Strength Antacid· Omeprazole 20 mg
Brands like Kirkland Signature
Popularity 4.6/10
-
6
Gaviscon
Alginate-based chewable that forms a floating barrier on stomach contents, useful for reflux after meals.
Top products: Gaviscon Extra Strength Chewable Antacid Tablets
Website: gaviscon.com |Brands like Gaviscon
Popularity 4.5/10
-
7
Prilosec OTC
Omeprazole proton pump inhibitor that takes a few days to reach full effect, then controls acid for around 24 hours.
Top products: Prilosec OTC 20mg
Website: prilosecotc.com |Brands like Prilosec OTC
Popularity 4.3/10
-
8
Rolaids
Chewable calcium carbonate antacids in mint and berry, with a version that also targets gas alongside heartburn.
Top products: Rolaids Extra Strength· Rolaids Heartburn + Gas
Website: rolaids.com |Brands like Rolaids
Popularity 3.5/10
-
9
Tagamet
Cimetidine H2 blocker, an older option that lowers acid output for hours and comes in mint-flavoured 200 mg tablets.
Top products: Tagamet HB 200
Website: tagamet.com |Brands like Tagamet
Popularity 2.4/10
-
10
GoodSense
Store-label omeprazole delayed-release tablets at 20 mg, a lower-cost option matching the leading acid-reducer ingredient.
Top products: Omeprazole Delayed Release Tablets 20 mg
Website: goodsense.com |Brands like GoodSense
Popularity 2.2/10
-
11
Abbott
Abbott Nutrition makes Ensure shakes and powders, PediaSure for children, and Pedialyte electrolyte hydration products. These products are sold for patients and for everyday household use.
Website: nutrition.abbott |Brands like Abbott
Popularity 1.7/10
-
12
Rennie
British brand of chewable antacid tablets, typically calcium carbonate based, for heartburn, indigestion and upset stomach.
Top products: Rennie Antacid Tablets
Website: rennie.co.uk |Brands like Rennie
Popularity 1.4/10
-
13
Zegerid
Pairing omeprazole with sodium bicarbonate for a once-daily dose aimed at persistent heartburn and acid indigestion.
Website: zegeridotc.com |Brands like Zegerid
Popularity 1.4/10
-
14
Boiron
Homeopathic tablets dissolved under the tongue, a non-antacid choice for acid reflux and indigestion symptoms.
Top products: Acidil
Website: boironusa.com |Brands like Boiron
Popularity 1.3/10
-
15
Bayer
Bayer grew from a dye and chemicals business in Germany and is now a multinational company in pharmaceuticals and health care. Its product range includes flea treatments for dogs, blood test products and anti-inflammatory medicines. The company describes its goal...
Website: bayer.com |Brands like Bayer
Popularity 1.2/10
-
16
Eno
Eno music is a Chinese website based on upgrading the quality of audio devices to make music even more enjoyable for purchasers. There are four tuners, boosters, speakers, and gear with varying frequencies. An instrument hollow window grille design, acoustic...
Website: eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com |Brands like Eno
Popularity 1.1/10
-
17
Major Pharmaceuticals
Major pharmaceuticals are one of the leading suppliers of multisource generic Rx and OTC products in the market. Patient care matters the most to them, and they aim to keep advancing the care step by step—strategic Solutions for the customers...
Brands like Major Pharmaceuticals
Popularity 0.9/10
-
18
Phazyme
Simethicone chewables for gas and bloating, with added antacid ingredients aimed at heartburn and cramping.
Website: phazyme.com |Brands like Phazyme
Popularity 0.9/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUMS | tums.com | /TUMS | tumsofficial | @TUMSOfficial | tums |
| PEPCID | pepcid.com | /Pepcid | – | @pepcid | PepcidBrand |
| Alka-Seltzer | alkaseltzer.com | – | – | – | – |
| Pepto-Bismol | pepto-bismol.com | – | – | – | – |
| Gaviscon | gaviscon.com | – | – | – | – |
| Prilosec OTC | prilosecotc.com | – | – | – | – |
| Rolaids | rolaids.com | – | – | – | – |
| Tagamet | tagamet.com | – | – | – | – |
| GoodSense | goodsense.com | /goodsensebrand | – | – | – |
Heartburn Tablets Buying Guide
Heartburn is a common condition that affects millions of people every year. It is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest and throat, accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. Heartburn is caused by reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. The symptoms of heartburn can be managed or relieved using heartburn tablets. However, with so many brands and types of heartburn tablets available, choosing the right one can be quite challenging. This buying guide will help you choose the right heartburn tablets that offer the best relief.
Factors to consider when buying heartburn tablets
There are several factors that you need to consider when choosing heartburn tablets.
1. Active ingredients
Heartburn tablets contain different active ingredients that provide relief. The most common active ingredients are antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid, while H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors reduce acid production.
If you experience occasional heartburn, antacids may be sufficient in providing relief. However, if you suffer from frequent or severe heartburn, H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors may be more effective. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine which active ingredient is best for you.
2. Dosage and strength
Heartburn tablets come in different dosages and strengths. It is important to choose the right dosage and strength based on your needs. The dosage and strength you need will depend on the severity of your heartburn symptoms and the active ingredient in the tablet.
For example, if you are taking an antacid tablet, you may need to take it more frequently than a proton pump inhibitor tablet. Similarly, if your heartburn symptoms are mild, you may need a lower strength tablet compared to someone with severe symptoms.
3. Brand reputation
Heartburn tablets are manufactured by different brands. Some brand names are more popular than others. It is important to choose a brand with a good reputation for quality and effectiveness. This can be determined by reading reviews from other users or consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Side effects
Heartburn tablets can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The side effects may vary depending on the active ingredient in the tablet. For example, antacids may cause constipation, while proton pump inhibitors may cause headaches or nausea.
Before buying heartburn tablets, it is important to read the label or consult with your doctor or pharmacist to understand the potential side effects of the tablet. This will help you avoid any adverse reactions and choose the right tablet that suits your needs.
5. Price
The cost of heartburn tablets varies depending on the brand, dosage, and strength. It is important to compare prices of different brands and types of heartburn tablets to find one that fits your budget. However, it is important to note that price should not be the sole determining factor when choosing heartburn tablets. Choose a tablet based on its effectiveness and suitability for your needs.
Types of heartburn tablets
There are three main types of heartburn tablets: antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Each type of tablet works differently to provide relief from heartburn symptoms.
1. Antacids
Antacids are the most commonly used heartburn tablets. They neutralize stomach acid, reducing the burning sensation in the chest and throat. Antacids provide fast relief and are usually taken after meals or before going to bed.
Antacids are available in different forms, including tablets, liquids, and chewable tablets. Some antacids also contain additional ingredients such as magnesium or calcium, which can have a laxative effect if taken in high doses. Antacids are generally safe to use, but they may cause constipation, diarrhea, or stomach cramps, especially if taken in high doses or for a long time.
2. H2 blockers
H2 blockers reduce the production of stomach acid, providing long-lasting relief from heartburn symptoms. They are usually taken once or twice a day, and may take a few days to start working. H2 blockers are available both over the counter and on prescription.
Some common examples of H2 blockers include ranitidine and cimetidine. H2 blockers are generally safe to use, but they may cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, or diarrhea, especially if taken in high doses or for a long time.
3. Proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) also reduce the production of stomach acid, but they are more effective than H2 blockers in treating severe or frequent heartburn symptoms. They are usually taken once a day, and may take a few days to start working.
Some common examples of PPIs include omeprazole and esomeprazole. PPIs are only available on prescription and are usually recommended for people with severe or frequent heartburn symptoms. They are generally safe to use, but they may cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, or stomach pain, especially if taken in high doses or for a long time.
Conclusion
Heartburn tablets are an effective way to manage or relieve heartburn symptoms. When choosing heartburn tablets, consider the active ingredient, dosage, brand reputation, potential side effects, and price. Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors are the three main types of heartburn tablets, and each works differently to provide relief. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist to determine which type of tablet is best for you. By following this buying guide, you will be able to choose the right heartburn tablet that offers the best relief.
