What Tablet is good for stomach pain?: A Guide to Choosing the Right Relief

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 1 in 4 Americans experiences some form of abdominal pain in a given week, making it one of the most common medical complaints. Deciding what tablet is good for stomach pain requires first identifying the root cause of the discomfort, as different medications target specific issues like gas, indigestion, or inflammation.

Quick Summary

This guide explores effective over-the-counter and prescription tablet options for various causes of stomach pain, including gas, indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation. It explains how to select the right treatment for your symptoms and details when seeking professional medical advice is essential.

Key Points

Match the medication to the cause: The right tablet depends on whether your stomach pain is from gas, indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation.
Antacids are for rapid, temporary relief: Use antacids like Tums for quick neutralization of stomach acid from mild indigestion or heartburn.
Simethicone targets gas pain: For discomfort from bloating and trapped wind, look for tablets with simethicone (e.g., Gas-X) to break up gas bubbles.
Avoid NSAIDs for stomach pain: Painkillers such as ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining and should be avoided. Use acetaminophen instead for general pain if needed.
Seek professional advice for chronic pain: If you have persistent or severe stomach pain, or if OTC remedies are ineffective, consult a doctor to rule out more serious conditions like IBS or ulcers.
Don't ignore red-flag symptoms: Severe or sudden pain, fever, blood in stool, or unexplained weight loss require immediate medical attention.

The Crucial First Step: Diagnosing the Cause

Effective treatment for stomach pain is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The best medication depends on the specific cause of your discomfort. A tablet that relieves gas, for example, will be ineffective for pain caused by constipation or acid reflux. Common causes of stomach pain include gas and bloating, indigestion and heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, and conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). By paying close attention to your symptoms, you can narrow down the potential culprits and choose a targeted remedy.

Over-the-Counter Tablets for Common Stomach Pain

For many instances of mild to moderate stomach pain, a quick trip to the pharmacy can provide relief. Here are some of the most common over-the-counter (OTC) options, categorized by the symptoms they address:

Gas and Bloating

Simethicone: This anti-gas agent works by breaking up gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines, making them easier to pass. It is the active ingredient in products like Gas-X and Mylanta Gas. Simethicone is available in tablets, chewables, and softgels.
Alpha-galactosidase: Found in products like Beano, this enzyme helps your body break down complex sugars in foods like beans and vegetables, preventing gas formation in the first place.
Lactase enzyme: If your stomach pain is triggered by dairy, a lactase enzyme supplement (e.g., Lactaid) can help your body digest lactose, the sugar in milk products.

Indigestion and Heartburn

Antacids: Tablets like Tums and Rolaids contain calcium carbonate or other ingredients that quickly neutralize existing stomach acid. They are ideal for fast, short-term relief of mild heartburn and indigestion.
H2 Blockers: Medications such as famotidine (Pepcid) reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces by blocking histamine-2 receptors. They act more slowly than antacids but provide longer-lasting relief, typically up to 12 hours.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These powerful acid reducers, which include omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid), block the enzymes in the stomach lining that produce acid. They are meant for frequent or chronic heartburn and acid reflux, but may take a few days to reach their full effect.

Diarrhea and Upset Stomach

Loperamide: The active ingredient in Imodium, loperamide works by slowing down the movement of the gut, reducing the frequency of bowel movements and associated cramping. It is intended for short-term use for acute diarrhea.
Bismuth Subsalicylate: Found in Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate, this medication coats the stomach and intestines to soothe irritation and has mild antibacterial properties. It can treat nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea. A harmless side effect is the temporary darkening of stool or the tongue.

Constipation

Laxatives and Stool Softeners: For constipation-related cramping, bulk-forming laxatives (Metamucil) or osmotic laxatives (Miralax) can help. Stool softeners like docusate (Colace) add moisture to the stool. It's important to drink plenty of water with these medications.

A Comparison of Common Stomach Pain Tablets


Medication Category	Active Ingredient(s)	Best for...	Speed of Relief	Potential Side Effects
Antacids	Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Hydroxide	Mild, occasional heartburn and indigestion	Fast (within minutes)	Constipation (calcium-based), diarrhea (magnesium-based)
H2 Blockers	Famotidine	Occasional to frequent heartburn and acid reflux	Slower than antacids (15-30 minutes), lasts longer	Headache, dizziness, constipation
PPIs	Omeprazole, Lansoprazole	Frequent heartburn (more than twice a week), GERD	Slow (days to take effect), lasts 24 hours	Headache, diarrhea, long-term risks with chronic use
Simethicone	Simethicone	Gas, bloating, and pressure	Fast (minutes to an hour)	Generally well-tolerated, rare side effects
Loperamide	Loperamide	Diarrhea and cramping	Fast (within an hour)	Constipation, abdominal discomfort
Bismuth Subsalicylate	Bismuth Subsalicylate	Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea	Fast	Temporary darkening of stool and tongue

Considerations for Complex or Chronic Conditions

For chronic or complex conditions like IBS, or if OTC medications are not effective, a healthcare provider might recommend specific prescription tablets or alternative therapies.

IBS-C: Medications like linaclotide (Linzess) can help with constipation-predominant IBS by increasing intestinal fluid and motility.
IBS-D: Options for diarrhea-predominant IBS include eluxadoline, which slows down an overactive bowel, and rifaximin, a nonabsorbable antibiotic.
Other Medications: For IBS pain, low-dose antidepressants or neuromodulators may be prescribed to help manage pain signals between the gut and brain.

Painkillers to Avoid for Stomach Pain

An important distinction to make is that most common painkillers are not suitable for stomach pain and can even make it worse. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can irritate the stomach lining, potentially leading to gastritis or ulcers. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often a safer choice for general pain if stomach irritation is a concern.

When to See a Doctor

While OTC options are sufficient for many, it is crucial to recognize the warning signs of a more serious condition. You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Severe, sudden onset of pain that makes it difficult to function.
Pain that persists or worsens over several hours or days.
A high fever accompanies the abdominal pain.
Blood in your stool or vomit.
Unexplained weight loss.
Pain that spreads to your chest, back, or groin.
Severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen.

Conclusion

Identifying the underlying cause is the most effective way to determine what tablet is good for stomach pain. For common issues like gas, indigestion, or occasional diarrhea, specific over-the-counter tablets such as simethicone, antacids, or loperamide can provide targeted relief. For chronic or complex conditions, a healthcare provider can prescribe more advanced medications. Always avoid NSAID painkillers for stomach discomfort due to their potential to worsen irritation and never ignore persistent, severe pain or associated red-flag symptoms. Choosing the right tablet and knowing when to consult a professional are key steps toward managing your digestive health effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard Tums contain calcium carbonate and are effective for neutralizing stomach acid, which helps with heartburn. However, they do not directly treat trapped gas bubbles. For gas relief, you should look for products containing simethicone, sometimes combined with antacids, like Tums Chewy Bites with Gas Relief.

No, they are different types of acid reducers. Famotidine is an H2 blocker that reduces stomach acid production for up to 12 hours. Omeprazole is a more powerful PPI that blocks acid production for up to 24 hours, but it takes longer to become fully effective and is intended for frequent, chronic heartburn.

Loperamide (Imodium) is a common and effective tablet that works by slowing down the digestive system to reduce the frequency of bowel movements. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) also helps with diarrhea while soothing an upset stomach.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can irritate or damage the stomach lining, which may worsen stomach pain, indigestion, or lead to ulcers. Acetaminophen is a safer alternative if you need a general pain reliever.

OTC PPIs are typically intended for a 14-day course of treatment. If your heartburn or acid symptoms persist or return frequently, you should not continue taking them long-term without first consulting a healthcare provider, as prolonged use can have side effects.

Yes, some studies suggest that enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules can help relieve abdominal pain and cramping associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) by relaxing intestinal muscles. The enteric coating is important to prevent heartburn.

Seek immediate medical help if your stomach pain is severe and sudden, or accompanied by symptoms like a high fever, bloody stools or vomit, difficulty breathing, or severe tenderness to the touch. These could indicate a serious condition like appendicitis, ulcers, or other issues.