Tums
(Calcium carbonate)
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1373 reviewsforTums
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Relieves heartburn.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Tums (Calcium carbonate) gives quick relief for heartburn, but does not last all day. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines if you need additional relief.
Quick facts about Tums
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Over-the-counter
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (calcium carbonate)
Upsides
- Tums (Calcium carbonate) is an effective, first-line medication for hearburn.
- Tums (Calcium carbonate) starts working in seconds.
- Has minimal side effects.
- Available in chewable form.
- Is inexpensive and readily available over-the-counter.
- Coupons are available – speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
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What to expect from Tums, on one page
Downsides
- Because Tums (Calcium carbonate) only lasts for 1 to 2 hours, you may need additional doses.
- May increase calcium levels too much in people with kidney or thyroid conditions.
- May have a chalky taste.
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What to expect from Tums, on one page
How it works
Tums (Calcium carbonate) is an antacid. It relieves heartburn and indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid.
Quick facts about Tums
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Over-the-counter
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (calcium carbonate)
Dosage forms
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 60 (500mg) tablets of calcium carbonate near
- Pay as low as$2.87Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- Get free discount$3.25
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$3.85
- Rite AidGet free coupon$4.70
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Tums (Calcium carbonate) for Antacid
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Cramps
- Constipation
- Excessive gas
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Tums (Calcium carbonate)
0 reports
These are side effects of Tums (Calcium carbonate) reported to the FDA by people taking it, and by doctors and pharmacists.0 reports
- Source: FDA adverse event database
- We searched the FDA database for all the names this medicine may be known by:› calcium carbonate› Tums› Cal Gest Antacids› Antacid Calcium› Oysco› Fiorical Os Cal
- Reports are often from people taking more than one drug. Their side effects might not be due to Tums at all.
- Percentages only tell you how common an issue is for people who actually make the effort to report side effects to the FDA, not for everyone.
- These reports are not confirmed or validated by doctors or the FDA.
Are you experiencing side effects you want to report to the FDA?Report a side effect
Common concerns from people taking Tums (Calcium carbonate)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Kidneys and liver
- May increase calcium levels too much in people with kidney or thyroid conditions.
- Not sureLow hassleReviewed TumsIt caused me to have kidney stones.72Man