H2s Vs. Antacids Vs. PPIs: Which Treatment Is Right For You?

Skip to main contentH2 Blocker vs. Antacid vs. PPI

There are various treatment options for acid reflux and heartburn. The three main categories of products include histamine-2 blockers (H2 blockers), antacids, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Learn more about each of them and remember to speak with your healthcare provider about which treatment option might be right for you.

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.

Third party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

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& Antacid	H2 Blocker	Antacid	Proton PumpInhibitor (PPI)
Product	PEPCID COMPLETE®	Original & MaximumStrength PEPCID AC®	TUMS®	NEXIUM® 24HR / PRILOSEC OTC®
Active Ingredient	Famotidine(Acid Reducer) Calcium Carbonate(Antacid) Magnesium Hydroxide(Antacid)	Famotidine(Acid Reducer)	Calcium Carbonate(Antacid)	Esomeprazole / Omeprazole(Acid Reducer)
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 minutes2. Starts to neutralize acid on contact3. Prevents heartburn if taken 15-60 minutes before a meal4. 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 2021Third party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

Our Heartburn Relief Products

PEPCID COMPLETE® Chewable Tablet with Famotidine & Antacids

Maximum Strength PEPCID AC® Tablets with Famotidine

PEPCID AC® Maximum Strength Heartburn Relief & Acid Reducer, Icy Cool Mint, 20 mg Famotidine Tablets

PEPCID COMPLETE® ON-THE-GO Chewable Tablet with Famotidine & Antacids

Original Strength PEPCID AC® Tablets with Famotidine

See Why PEPCID® Could Work for You

Compare PEPCID® to Other OTC Heartburn Medications

Find the best over the counter heartburn medicine which may help relieve your symptoms.

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What Is PEPCID®?

PEPCID® is the original brand with the active ingredient famotidine which is a histamine-2 blocker (H2 blocker) that provides relief for occasional heartburn.

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