Daily OTC Pearl: Tums (Calcium Carbonate)

OTC/Lifestyle Pearl of the Day: Tums (Calcium Carbonate)

Indication: Tums is used to treat symptoms caused by excess stomach acid, such as heartburn, upset stomach, or indigestion.

Insight:

• Tums is an antacid that works by lowering the amount of acid in the stomach.
• Directions to use: For the chewable form, chew the medication well before swallowing. For the liquid form, shake the bottle well before each dose.
• Adverse effects may include constipation, gas, burping, nausea/vomiting, weight loss, muscle pain, weakness, and possible kidney issues.
• Interactions: Some products that may interact with this drug include digoxin, certain phosphate binders (such as calcium acetate), phosphate supplements (such as potassium phosphate), and sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
• Dosage forms: Tums are available in smoothies, tablets, and chewable forms. They also come in sugar-free form for patients such as diabetics, chewy tablets with mint, regular and extra strength.

Sources:

• Tums Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD
• TUMS Antacid Products | Heartburn Medicine | TUMS
• tums image - Google Search