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Can Nexium 24HR and TUMS Be Taken Together?

A woman experiencing acid reflux or heartburn.

The short answer is no.

Sometimes symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn may feel so severe that you might consider taking more than one over-the-counter product together. While there are instances when an antacid like TUMs might be more beneficial than a product like Nexium 24HR, a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI), there are circumstances when a PPI may be a better choice.

Keep reading to find out what the differences are between acid reflux and heartburn, and when you should take TUMS versus when you should take Nexium 24HR. 

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when your stomach acid rises from your stomach into your esophagus.1 There are two rings of muscle called sphincters at both ends of your esophagus that help keep your digested food in your stomach.2 When you experience acid reflux, it’s because one of the sphincters isn’t working properly.2 Acid reflux can happen after you eat a large meal or drink coffee or alcohol.1 Some other factors that can increase your risk of experiencing acid reflux include:1,2

  • Obesity    
  • Eating too close to bedtime
  • Eating fried foods
  • Wearing tight clothing
  • Tobacco use

What is Heartburn?

The condition of acid reflux can cause a feeling of heartburn1, which is often described as a burning sensation in the chest. 6 There are many triggers for heartburn, including: 6

  • Large meals
  • Spicy foods
  • Foods with high acidity
  • Foods high in fat
  • Tobacco use
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Some sedatives
  • Some blood pressure medications

How TUMS Can Help Relieve Occasional Heartburn

Over-the-counter antacids (that means you can buy them without a prescription) such as TUMS can be used to relieve symptoms of occasional heartburn. 1 TUMS has calcium carbonate as its main active ingredient. 3 Calcium carbonate neutralizes acids to relieve heartburn and a sour stomach associated with these symptoms. 3,4

There are some things to be aware of before taking this medicine: You should be at least 12 years old to take TUMS3 and you shouldn’t take TUMS for more than two weeks—unless your health care provider advises otherwise. 3 If you are pregnant, consult your healthcare provider before taking TUMS. 3

Taking calcium carbonate antacids, like TUMS, may cause side effects. Some of those side effects include4 vomiting, belching, constipation, dry mouth, increased urination and loss of appetite. If you experience any of these side effects and they become persistent or severe, consult with your health care provider.

How Nexium 24HR Can Help Relieve Frequent Heartburn

About 20 percent of people in the United States suffer from frequent heartburn. 5 If you are experiencing heartburn frequently—that is, for two or more days a week—you might consider taking Nexium 24HR to help relieve it.

Nexium 24HR is an over-the-counter product that has esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, as its active ingredient. 7 Esomeprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. 8 It is used to treat heartburn that occurs two or more days per week. 8 You may need to take esomeprazole for up to four days before you begin to feel relief from frequent heartburn. 7,8

Adults who are at least 18 years old can take Nexium 24HR. 7 But do not take for more than 14 days, or more often than every four months unless directed by a doctor. 7

Don’t use Nexium 24HR if you have: 7

  • Trouble swallowing food
  • Vomiting with blood
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain   

You should also consult with your health care provider before using Nexium 24HR if you: 7

  • Have had heartburn for more than three months
  • Have unexplained weight loss
  • Have been vomiting
  • Have stomach pain
  • Are pregnant

If you find you need to take Nexium 24HR for more than 14 days or more frequently than one 14-day period every four months, consult with your health care provider. You should also stop using Nexium 25HR and discuss treatment options with your health care provider if: 7

  • You develop a rash
  • You have pain in your joints
  • Your frequent heartburn worsens
  • Your frequent heartburn doesn’t go away
  • You get diarrhea

Can You Take Nexium 24HR and TUMS Together?

No. TUMS and Nexium 24HR are not for use at the same time.

Experience an occasional bout of heartburn? TUMS Can help provide quick, temporary relief from your heartburn symptoms.

Experiencing heartburn more than two days a week? Nexium 24HR may help decrease the stomach acid your body produces, but it can take up to four days for it to do so.7,8

If you find heartburn remains an issue after a 14-day course of Nexium 24HR, discuss your situation with your healthcare professional.

  1. Acid reflux and GERD: The same thing? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/expert-answers/heartburn-gerd/faq-20057894 Accessed 6/30/21. Referenced text is indicated in source PDF.
  2. Can you have reflux without heartburn? Mather Hospital Northwell Health. https://www.matherhospital.org/wellness-at-mather/can-you-have-reflux-without-heartburn/Accessed 6/30/21. Referenced text is indicated in source PDF.
  3. LABEL: TUMS – calcium carbonate tablet. U.S. National Library of Medicine DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=35f79dcf-1743-4d9f-aba5-5ead6b056309 Accessed 6/30/21. Referenced text is indicated in source PDF.
  4. Calcium Carbonate. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601032.html Accessed 6/30/21. Referenced text is indicated in source PDF.
  5. Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/digestive-diseases
  6. Heartburn and Acid Reflux: What You Need to Know. Cedars Sinai. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/what-causes-heartburn-and-acid-reflux.html Accessed 6/30/21. Referenced text is indicated in source PDF.
  7. LABEL: Nexium 24HR. U.S. National Library of Medicine DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4513934d-0cf0-40fc-a348-b4e75a33b094 Accessed 6/30/21. Referenced text is indicated in source PDF.
  8. Esomeprazole. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699054.html Accessed 6/30/21. Referenced text is indicated in source PDF.