Written by Ronilee Shye, PharmD, BCGP, BCACP, CDE | Reviewed by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP
Updated on April 24, 2024
Key takeaways:
Eating too many rich, spicy, or sugary foods can lead to an upset stomach.
There are several over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help relieve an upset stomach. Many of these target specific symptoms, such as heartburn, diarrhea, or nausea.
To find the best medication for you, choose one that most closely treats the cause of your stomach upset and symptoms.
Table of contents
Pepto-Bismol
Mylanta
Tums and Rolaids
Emetrol
Does cola syrup help?
How to choose
Bottom line
References
munro/E+ via Getty Images
Many different things can cause an upset stomach. Common triggers include foods that are rich, spicy, or sugary. On top of an unsettled stomach, you may also experience heartburn, diarrhea, or nausea. No matter the cause, you’ll want to find a way to feel better — and fast.
There are many types of over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help you treat and even prevent an upset stomach and nausea. Let’s take a deep dive into the ingredients and side effects of common upset stomach medicines.
Pepto-Bismol for upset stomach
Pepto-Bismol is an OTC upset stomach medicine that can also treat diarrhea. The active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate. It works by slowing down movement in your stomach and intestines. It also lessens chemicals that can irritate your stomach.
To stop diarrhea, Pepto-Bismol helps your body reabsorb fluids, sodium (salt), and chloride. This helps prevent you from losing extra fluids.
Does Pepto-Bismol help with nausea and heartburn?
Yes, Pepto-Bismol can also help treat nausea, heartburn, and other digestive symptoms, including:
Gas
Indigestion
Fullness or feeling bloated
Burping
Pepto-Bismol side effects
Pepto-Bismol can turn your tongue and stool black. It’s a temporary (and harmless) side effect. But it can last several days after you stop taking it. Exactly how long will depend on your age, bowel habits, and how much medication you’ve used.
Pepto-Bismol products that contain bismuth subsalicylate should never be given to kids or teens without medical approval. This ingredient is like aspirin and can cause a life-threatening issue called Reye’s syndrome in children and adolescents. There’s an aspirin-free Pepto-Bismol product available for kids. So check with your pharmacist to make sure you get the right one.
Mylanta for upset stomach
Mylanta is an OTC medication that contains aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone. There are also versions of Mylanta that contain calcium carbonate instead of aluminum hydroxide.
Mylanta can be used to treat symptoms of upset stomach, including:
Mylanta side effects
The most common side effects of Mylanta include:
Heartburn
Sour stomach
Pressure and bloating from gas
Does Mylanta help with diarrhea?
Mylanta isn’t recommended as a treatment for diarrhea. Magnesium hydroxide, one of the active ingredients in Mylanta, can cause diarrhea. But the aluminum hydroxide ingredient usually helps to limit this side effect for people who aren’t currently experiencing diarrhea.
Diarrhea
Nausea
Constipation
Some people may experience:
Stomach pain
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Tums and Rolaids for upset stomach
Tums and Rolaids are OTC antacid medicines used to treat heartburn. They can also be used for a sour or upset stomach. Both neutralize stomach acid and offer fast and short-term relief. Both have calcium carbonate as the active ingredient. But Rolaids also has an extra ingredient called magnesium hydroxide.
Do Tums or Rolaids help with diarrhea?
Diarrhea isn’t a labeled use for Tums, and the magnesium hydroxide in Rolaids can actually cause diarrhea. If you have diarrhea, talk with your primary care provider or pharmacist about other options, like Pepto-Bismol.
Tums side effects
Side effects of Tums are generally minor. Constipation is the most common. Other mild side effects may include:
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Gas
Dry mouth
Rolaids side effects
Like Mylanta, one of the active ingredients in Rolaids is magnesium hydroxide, which can sometimes cause diarrhea. Rolaids can also interact with some prescription medications. So, it is a good idea to talk with your primary care provider or pharmacist before using it.
Emetrol for upset stomach
Emetrol (phosphorated carbohydrate) is a common OTC medication that can help relieve nausea from an upset stomach. But the FDA hasn’t evaluated its safety or effectiveness. So it’s best to check with your primary care provider before considering taking it.
The active ingredients in Emetrol are:
Dextrose (glucose)
Levulose (fructose)
Phosphoric acid
How does Emetrol work?
Emetrol works by calming the stomach muscle contractions (motions) that can lead to vomiting.
It contains fructose, a type of sugar in fruits and juices. So if you have a condition where you can’t digest fructose (like hereditary fructose intolerance), you’ll want to consider other medicines for an upset stomach. This medicine is also not recommended for people with diabetes.
Does cola syrup help with an upset stomach?
There’s no evidence that cola syrup helps to treat an upset stomach. It’s also not approved by the FDA to treat an upset stomach. But some people still use this older remedy for nausea and upset stomach.
If your primary care provider recommends cola syrup, you may be able to find it in the stomach medicine aisle of your grocery store or pharmacy.
What is the best upset stomach medicine?
The best upset stomach medicine for you depends on the symptoms you’re experiencing and what’s causing it.
Antacids (such as Tums and Rolaids) are a good choice for heartburn and sour stomach. And medicines that contain bismuth subsalicylate (like Pepto-Bismol) can help treat diarrhea and nausea.
If you’re not sure which medicine to take for your upset stomach, talk with your healthcare professional. They can review your symptoms and help you decide which option may be best for you.
The bottom line
Almost everyone experiences an upset stomach from time to time. Big meals, rich and spicy foods, or sugary treats can bring on unpleasant symptoms — including nausea, diarrhea, and heartburn. Fortunately, there are many different types of OTC medications that can help treat these problems quickly.
The best medication for you will depend on your symptoms and the cause. If you aren’t sure, reach out to your primary care provider or pharmacist to find the right approach.
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