Tums is a widely recognized over-the-counter antacid designed to alleviate digestive discomfort. Its primary active ingredient is calcium carbonate, which quickly reduces excess stomach acid. Tums provides rapid relief for common digestive issues by neutralizing acid upon contact.
Conditions Tums Relieves
Tums addresses specific symptoms related to excess stomach acid, including heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. Heartburn manifests as a burning sensation in the chest, typically behind the breastbone, which can extend up to the throat. This sensation usually occurs after eating, especially large meals, or when lying down.
Acid indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, can cause a feeling of fullness, bloating, or discomfort in the upper abdomen. It may be accompanied by burping or gas. A sour stomach involves a feeling of unease, pain, or churning in the stomach after consuming food, and can also involve a bitter or acidic taste in the mouth. Tums offers a fast-acting solution for occasional acid-related digestive upset.
How Tums Works
Tums’ active ingredient, calcium carbonate, functions as an antacid by directly neutralizing hydrochloric acid in the stomach. When a Tums tablet is chewed and swallowed, the calcium carbonate rapidly dissolves and reacts with the stomach acid.
This chemical reaction produces water, carbon dioxide, and calcium chloride, increasing the pH level within the stomach. By raising the gastric pH, calcium carbonate also helps to inhibit the activity of pepsin, a digestive enzyme that requires an acidic environment to function. This neutralization provides relief from the burning and discomfort caused by excess acid.
Important Usage Considerations
Follow dosage instructions on the product label, as strengths vary. Adults and children 12 years and older should chew 2 to 4 tablets as symptoms occur. Take Tums about one hour after meals, at symptom onset, or before bedtime if symptoms occur at night.
Tums is safe for occasional use but not for prolonged or continuous use. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose or use for more than two weeks unless directed by a doctor. Mild side effects include constipation, gas, or burping. If symptoms persist, worsen, or if you experience unusual weakness, fatigue, or changes in thirst or urination, consult a healthcare professional. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if taking other medications, as Tums can affect their absorption.