TUMS® FAQ
Get answers to all of your TUMS® antacid questions.
Antacid Basics
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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.
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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.
TUMS® Chewy Bites with Gas Relief: 1-2 tablets
TUMS® Sugar-Free (Extra Strength): 2-4 tablets
TUMS® Chewy Bites Extra Strength: 2-4 tablets
TUMS® Smoothies (Extra Strength): 2-4 tablets
TUMS® Chewy Delights: 2-3 chews
TUMS®Ultra Strength: 2-3 tablets
TUMS® Extra Strength: 2-4 tablets
TUMS® Regular Strength: 2-4 tablets
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. -
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 and other Digestive Health Symptoms
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
TUMS® and Pregnancy
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Each TUMS® product has a recommended dosage for pregnant women so please refer to the product label. Here are the maximum dosages recommended for pregnant woman. Do not use the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks except under the supervision of a doctor.
TUMS® Chewy Bites with Gas Relief: Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours
TUMS® Sugar-Free (Extra Strength): Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours
TUMS® Chewy Bites Extra Strength: Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours
TUMS® Smoothies (Extra Strength): Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours
TUMS® Chewy Delights: Do not take more than 4 chews in 24 hours
TUMS® Ultra Strength: Do not take more than 5 tablets in 24 hours
TUMS® Extra Strength: Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours
TUMS® Regular Strength: Do not take more than 10 tablets in 24 hours
TUMS® Ingredients
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If you are looking for a sugar-free antacid, try TUMS® Sugar Free. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are uncertain whether a TUMS® product is appropriate for you.
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Each tablet contains:
TUMS® Regular Strength 500: .75gm
TUMS® Extra Strength 750: 1.1gm
TUMS® Sugar Free (Extra Strength): 0.5gm
TUMS® Smoothies (Extra Strength): 1.45gm
TUMS® Ultra Strength 1000: 1.45gm -
All TUMS® products (with the exception of Chewy Delights® and Chewy Bites®) are Kosher Pareve. The ingredients of all TUMS® Smoothies™ varieties were changed years ago so that they are Kosher Pareve. Chewy Delights® are Kosher Dairy. Chewy Bites® are not Kosher at all. TUMS® products receive a Kosher Certificate from Diamond-K Supervision. See front label to determine the Kosher status of the product you have selected
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Yes, with a few exceptions. The flavoring in TUMS® Smoothies™ Assorted Fruit tablets contains dairy. If your milk allergies are very serious or life-threatening, you should consult your doctor before using any TUMS® products. Although we have cleaning procedures in place, we cannot guarantee that some small trace of the Smoothies Assorted Fruit flavors would not be present in the other flavors
Miscellaneous
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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 hearburn, 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
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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.