| Brand Name | Tums |
| Generic Name | Calcium carbonate |
| Drug Class | Antacids, Minerals and electrolytes |
| Availability | Prescription only |
| Manufacturer | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Indications | Tums is used to prevent or to treat a calcium deficiency. |
| Type | Tablet |
| Doses | 500mg |
| Route | Oral |
| Side Effects | Hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
| Interactions | Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb certain medicines. If you take other medications, take them at least 2 hours before or 4 or 6 hours after you take Tums. |
| Overdose | Your Tums dose may need to be adjusted as you make changes to your diet. |
| Missed Dose | Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. |
| Contraindications | kidney disease;kidney stones;cancer;a parathyroid gland disorder; or high levels of calcium in your blood. |
| Alternatives | Caltrate, Tums Extra Strength 750, Tums Chewy Bites, Tums Ultra 1000 |
| Co-Pay Assistance Program | Available |
| Patient Assistance Program | Available |
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
A: Chewable Tums are designed to be chewed which allows the calcium carbonate and other active ingredients contained in them to work quickly and directly in the stomach, rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream.
A: Yes you can take Zithromax with Tums as it contains calcium carbonate. Ideally you would separate the doses by 2 hours.
A: TUMS is designed for occasional heartburn relief. If you need to take it daily for more than two weeks, consult your doctor, as frequent heartburn may indicate a more serious condition like GERD.
Yes, you can take TUMS on an empty stomach, but its effects may wear off faster. Taking it after a meal can provide longer-lasting relief.
A: Yes, TUMS can interfere with the absorption of certain medications like antibiotics, thyroid medications, and iron supplements. It’s best to take TUMS at least 2 hours before or after other medications to avoid interactions.
