Antacid Basics
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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.
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How long does it take for TUMS to work?
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How many TUMS can I take?
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 (currently discontinued)
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.
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What are TUMS made of? What is the active ingredient?
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How much calcium is in TUMS? Can I take it as a calcium supplement?
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.
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Can kids take TUMS?
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How do I take TUMS?
TUMS and other Digestive Health Symptoms
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Do TUMS help with diarrhea?
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Do TUMS help with heartburn?
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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.
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Do TUMS help with constipation?
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Do TUMS help with indigestion?
TUMS & Pregnancy
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Can you take TUMS while pregnant?
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What is the maximum dosage of TUMS for pregnant women?
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 Naturals: Do not take more than 5 tablets in 24 hours.
- 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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Are TUMS gluten free?
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Do TUMS have sugar?
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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How many carbohydrates are in TUMS antacids?
Each tablet contains:
- TUMS Regular Strength 500: .75gm (discontinued)
- 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
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Are TUMS products Kosher?
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Can TUMS antacids be taken by people who cannot tolerate dairy products?
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
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Do TUMS antacids contain animal by-products?
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Do TUMS antacids contain aluminum?
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What is the active ingredient in TUMS antacids and where does it come from?
Miscellaneous
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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.
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Are TUMS bottles recyclable?
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Can I take TUMS with other drugs or medications?
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Do TUMS expire?
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Can I give my dog TUMS?
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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.
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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:
- Calcium Carbonate Chewable Tablets. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20402-calcium-carbonate-chewable-tablets/.
- Calcium Carbonate. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601032.html.
- Taking antacids. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000198.htm.