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TUMS FAQ

Get answers to all of your TUMS antacid questions.

Antacid Basics

  • What are TUMS used for and how do they work?

    TUMS is an antacid used to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion, and upset stomach associated with these symptoms. The active ingredient in TUMS is calcium carbonate. TUMS starts to neutralize the heartburn-causing acid in your esophagus and stomach on contact, which provides fast relief.

  • TUMS is an antacid that goes to work immediately by neutralizing acid on contact. It provides fast relief from heartburn and upset stomach. How long TUMS lasts will vary between user and based upon the exposure to heartburn triggers.

  • TUMS products are available in a range of forms and dosage strengths (500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg). Here are the recommended dosages for adults and children 12 years and older.

    Do not exceed the individual dose or total daily dose recommendation for your TUMS product. If you are pregnant, follow the recommended dosing for use during pregnancy. Do not take for symptoms that persist for more than 2 weeks unless advised by a doctor.

  • The active ingredient in TUMS is calcium carbonate. As it is a mined calcium source, it may be an appropriate option for people who cannot use calcium sourced from shellfish.

  • TUMS contains calcium carbonate, and individual product strengths include 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg. Calcium carbonate contains 40% elemental calcium which is the highest amount of elemental calcium of all calcium forms. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need calclum supplementation to determine the appropriate option for your needs.

  • TUMS is indicated for adults and children 12 years and older. See TUMS product packages for appropriate dosing of children 12 years and older.

  • TUMS are intended to be chewed and swallowed, but they come in different forms and strengths; so you should always follow the dosing directions on the specific TUMS product label you are using.

TUMS and other Digestive Health Symptoms

  • Do TUMS help with gas?

    TUMS Chewy Bites with Gas Relief includes the active ingredient simethicone, which relieves gas associated with heartburn, sour stomach or acid indigestion. Like all TUMS products, TUMS Chewy Bites with Gas Relief also contains calcium carbonate, which is used to treat heartburn.

  • Do TUMS help with nausea and upset stomach?

    TUMS treats upset stomach associated with heartburn, sour stomach, and acid indigestion. Nausea may be associated with these conditions; however, there are other conditions that may also cause nausea. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are experiencing nausea to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

  • Do TUMS help acid reflux and GERD?

    TUMS treats heartburn, which is triggered by stomach acid that "refluxes" back into the esophagus. GERD is also an acid reflux-related condition, but it generally has more severe symptoms and occurs more frequently. You should speak to your doctor to confirm a diagnosis of GERD and determine the appropriate treatment, which may include daily use of prescription medication.

  • Do TUMS help with diarrhea?

    TUMS is not indicated for the treatment of diarrhea. If you are experiencing diarrhea, you should consult with your doctor or pharmacist to determine what is the best treatment option for you.

  • Do TUMS help with heartburn?

    Yes, TUMS helps with heartburn. In fact, TUMS is the #1 doctor recommended treatment for heartburn.

  • Do TUMS help with bloating?

    TUMS is not indicated for the treatment of bloating; but, if you are experiencing heartburn and gas, you may want to try TUMS Chewy Bites with Gas Relief. If you are bloated and need relief, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine the appropriate treatment option.

  • Do TUMS help with constipation?

    TUMS is not indicated for the treatment of constipation. If you are constipated and need relief, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine the appropriate treatment option.

  • Do TUMS help with indigestion?

    Yes, TUMS is indicated to treat acid indigestion as well as heartburn and upset stomach.

TUMS & Pregnancy

TUMS & Ingredients

Miscellaneous

  • Can I take TUMS with alcohol?

    Alcohol causes heartburn by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, which is where the esophagus connects to the stomach. When this happens, acid reflux occurs which is what causes heartburn symptoms. TUMS is intended to treat heartburn, and is appropriate for use when heartburn occurs. TUMS is not intended for use prior to or while consuming alcohol as a way to prevent heartburn.

  • Are TUMS bottles recyclable?

    TUMS bottles are made from polypropylene, and they have a #5 recycle on the bottom. Check to see if they can be recycled in your municipality.

  • Can I take TUMS with other drugs or medications?

    Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking TUMS if you are presently taking a prescription drug. Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs.

  • Do TUMS expire?

    TUMS products include an expiration date on the package label. We do not recommend using TUMS after the expiration date.

  • Can I give my dog TUMS?

    TUMS contains calcium carbonate, and it is indicated for use in humans. Although dogs may experience heartburn, you should speak to your veterinarian regarding the appropriate medication to use for conditions your dog is experiencing.

  • Can I use an HSA or FSA to buy TUMS products?

    You can use your HSA and FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase certain OTC products including TUMS. The passage of the CARES Act by Congress includes provisions to restore OTC eligibility under tax-preferred HSA and FSA accounts. Your plan details may vary; so save your receipt and check with your benefits or health provider for eligibility.

    Source: https://www.chpa.org/Monograph_FSA_CARES.aspx

  • What are the side effects of TUMS?

    Some potential minor TUMS side effects may occur in response to the main active ingredient, calcium carbonate. These minor side effects can include constipation or stomach gas.1,2,3 Other possible side effects of calcium carbonate may include confusion or irritability, headache, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, or being unusually weak or tired.1 If these symptoms are severe or do not go away, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.1,2 

    Another possible TUMS side effect has to do with allergies. Anyone could have an allergic reaction to a new medication, so watch for possible side effects that signify an allergic reaction like skin rashes, itches or hives, and/or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.1 

    Make sure you're using your TUMS exactly as the product label specifies and consult your doctor before taking TUMS if you're also taking prescription medications.

    Sources:

    1. Calcium Carbonate Chewable Tablets. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20402-calcium-carbonate-chewable-tablets/.
    2. Calcium Carbonate. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601032.html.
    3. Taking antacids. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000198.htm. 
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