Heartburn is a common, uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone. Tums is a widely recognized over-the-counter medication for this discomfort.
Understanding Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning pain in the chest, behind the breastbone. It occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, a process known as acid reflux. The esophageal lining is not designed to withstand stomach acid, leading to irritation. Symptoms can worsen after eating, lying down, or bending over.
How Tums Works to Neutralize Acid
Tums is an antacid, with calcium carbonate as its active ingredient. When calcium carbonate enters the stomach, it reacts directly with hydrochloric acid. This chemical reaction produces calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide gas. This neutralization quickly reduces the stomach’s acidity, elevating its pH and providing rapid relief.
Neutralizing stomach acid also inhibits pepsin, a digestive enzyme requiring an acidic environment. The release of calcium ions may also enhance the esophagus’s ability to clear acid. Tums offers quick relief, often within minutes. The carbon dioxide produced can sometimes lead to burping.
Safe and Effective Use of Tums
Tums comes in various strengths, including 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg of calcium carbonate per tablet. Adults and children 12 years and older typically chew 2 to 4 tablets as symptoms occur. It is important to chew or crush the tablets completely before swallowing to ensure optimal effectiveness.
Common, mild side effects of Tums can include constipation, gas, and burping. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite are also possible. To help reduce constipation, drinking several glasses of water daily is recommended.
Do not exceed the maximum daily dosage listed on the product label, which varies by Tums strength but generally ranges from 5 to 7 tablets in 24 hours for ultra-strength varieties. Tums should not be used for more than two weeks unless advised by a doctor. Calcium carbonate can interact with certain medications, including some tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics, iron supplements, levothyroxine, and bisphosphonates, reducing their absorption. Separate doses of Tums from these medications by at least 2 hours.
When Heartburn Requires Medical Attention
While Tums provides effective relief for occasional heartburn, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Heartburn that becomes more severe, frequent, or persistent for more than two weeks, despite using over-the-counter remedies, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Difficulty or pain when swallowing, especially with solid foods, is a concerning symptom. Unintended weight loss accompanied by heartburn also requires prompt medical assessment.
Other serious symptoms requiring immediate medical consultation include chest pain radiating to the arms, neck, or jaw, shortness of breath, or sweating. Vomiting blood, material resembling coffee grounds, or passing black or bloody stools are also serious signs. These symptoms might indicate a more serious underlying condition.