How long do tums take to work

For example, Gaviscon also contains alginic acid which provides a protective barrier that prevents acid from moving back up into your esophagus. Tums comes in a variety of formulations, and they change over time. You may have older products at home that differ from those currently sold. Be sure to read the product instructions for the formulation you intend to use, and make sure that the product isn't past its expiration date.

Tums has hard chews, soft chews, and a smooth dissolve formula. Tums is also available in a variety of strengths. Regular strength has milligrams of calcium carbonate, extra strength has milligrams, and ultra-strength has milligrams. At one time they marketed a Tums Dual Action, which contained a combination of calcium carbonate, famotidine, and magnesium hydroxide. Tums comes as a tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, and liquid to take by mouth. The amount taken per day depends on the strength.

Follow the directions on your prescription or package label carefully, and ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Take Tums exactly as directed. Do not take more of it or take it more often than prescribed by your healthcare provider. When using this medicine as a dietary supplement, take it with food or following meals.

Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before being swallowed; do not swallow them whole. Drink a full glass of water after taking either the regular or chewable tablets or capsules. Some liquid forms of calcium carbonate must be shaken well before use. Do not take Tums as an antacid for more than two weeks without talking to your healthcare provider first.

Although side effects from Tums are not common, they can occur. Tell your healthcare provider if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:. Antacids are intended as a means of temporary relief. These medications have no enduring effect and wear off quickly. If you have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD , it's a very good idea to meet with your healthcare provider and consider alternative medications such as proton pump inhibitors.

Sign up for Pepto-Bismol price alerts and find out when the price changes! Get price alerts. Pepto-Bismol is FDA approved to treat heartburn, a digestive problem that can also be a symptom of acid reflux and GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease. Pepto-Bismol can treat acid indigestion, which includes symptoms like abdominal discomfort, bloating, and nausea. When used for H. Tums is labeled to treat heartburn and indigestion.

It helps neutralize and decrease the amount of acid in the stomach to relieve symptoms such as bloating and abdominal discomfort. Calcium carbonate is sometimes combined with simethicone to relieve symptoms of gas and flatulence associated with indigestion.

Currently, there are no comprehensive reviews directly comparing Pepto-Bismol and Tums. Studies have shown that bismuth subsalicylate and calcium carbonate are commonly used to treat indigestion because of their acid-reducing effects.

Compared with H2 blockers like Pepcid famotidine and Zantac ranitidine , Tums works faster and relieves symptoms for a shorter period of time. Pepto-Bismol is more effective for other uses such as treating diarrhea and H. Bismuth subsalicylate has been shown to help heal peptic ulcers while fighting bacteria, especially when combined with antibiotics like metronidazole and clarithromycin.

Consult a healthcare provider for the best treatment option for occasional heartburn and indigestion. Sign up for Tums price alerts and find out when the price changes! In cases where a prescription version of an OTC drug is available, insurance plans may decide to cover it. Get the SingleCare coupon card. The average costs of Pepto-Bismol and Tums vary depending on which pharmacy you go to. However, these drugs are relatively inexpensive. Pepto-Bismol can often cause a darkened color of the stool or tongue.

This is because bismuth subsalicylate can react with small amounts of sulfur to create bismuth sulfide, a black substance. While darkened stool may be confused with bloody stool a serious condition , this side effect is temporary and harmless. Some people also report mild constipation after taking Pepto-Bismol.

Side effects of Tums include belching and gas flatulence. You should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health. Posted by Revere Health. Understanding How Antacids Work. Types of antacids Antacids are neutralizing, absorbing agents taken to relieve heartburn or indigestion caused by excess stomach acid. Acid reducers Acid reducers help to relieve heartburn by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Consult with your gastroenterologist before taking a proton pump inhibitor if: You are elderly or have a compromised immune system.

These medicines may increase your risk for pneumonia. You are a postmenopausal woman. Proton pump inhibitors reduce calcium absorption and may increase your risk for osteoporosis. You have been treated for a Clostridium difficile infection. Proton pump inhibitors may put you at an increased risk for a return of the infection.

Like most medications, these are helpful for some and not for others. Sometimes heart and lung issues can seem like acid reflux , says Wyneski, so pay attention to your pain. If you feel pain radiating into the neck or down the arm, severe palpitations, or lightheadedness, or if you're passing out, seek medical attention.

Enjoy summer fun pain-free. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics.