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calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

Generic
Used for Heartburn
Used for Heartburn

Rolaids is a combination medication containing calcium and magnesium. It provides fast symptom relief for heartburn and indigestion.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 23, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Rolaids?

What is Rolaids used for?

  • Heartburn

  • Indigestion

  • Relief of sour stomach

How Rolaids works

Rolaids is an antacid. Calcium and magnesium counteract (fight against) the acid in your stomach. Neutralizing the acid helps relieve your stomach symptoms.

Are you looking for information on calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide alone instead?
When does Rolaids start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRolaids, Cidatrine-TM
Drug ClassAntacid
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Rolaids?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

See Risks and Warnings

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Rolaids

thumbs-up

Pros

Provides fast relief for heartburn and indigestion

Can buy over the counter (OTC), without a prescription

There are tablets and soft chews in a variety of flavors (Rolaids brand)

thumbs-down

Cons

Doesn't last as long as other heartburn medications, like famotidine (Pepcid) and omeprazole (Prilosec)

Not meant for long-term use

Interacts with the absorption of some other medications, such as certain antibiotics

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Rolaids

pharmacist

  • If you take prescription medications, talk to your provider or pharmacist before taking Rolaids. Sometimes calcium and magnesium will affect how much medication is absorbed. Ask them if any of your medications interact. Usually the medications have to be taken a few hours before or after Rolaids.

    • Take Rolaids at the first sign of stomach discomfort for it to work the best.

      • You can continue to take Rolaids throughout the day whenever you have symptoms. But, don't take more than the maximum recommended amount of tablets per day (see your product label for details).

        • Contact your provider if your symptoms don't improve after 2 weeks, and you're still needing to use Rolaids regularly (for example, every 2 hours). Also contact them if your symptoms are getting worse or feel severe. Your provider might need to check to see if you need more medical attention.

          • There are a lot of different antacid products that have similar ingredients. Some contain simethicone (Gas-X) and others famotidine (Pepcid). Always check the active ingredients on the back so you know what you're buying. If you're not sure, ask your pharmacist for help.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Rolaids

            Is Rolaids the same as TUMS?
            Rolaids and TUM (calcium carbonate) are both over-the-counter (OTC) antacids, but they're not exactly the same. TUMS (calcium carbonate) contains only calcium, while Rolaids has calcium and magnesium.
            What's the difference between Rolaids and Cidatrine-TM?
            Both Rolaids and Cidatrine-TM are OTC antacids that contain calcium and magnesium, but their magnesium salts are different: Rolaids contains magnesium hydroxide, while Cidatrine-TM contains magnesium carbonate. Different salt types can change how well the magnesium gets absorbed by your body, so it's possible that Cidatrine-TM might upset your stomach more than Rolaids. Another difference is that Rolaids are meant for you to chew, while Cidatrine-TM tablets aren't necessarily chewable. Always check the packaging or ask your pharmacist if you can chew your antacid.
            Is it okay to take Rolaids every day?
            You can take Rolaids every day if you're having heartburn and indigestion symptoms often. But you should contact your provider, however, if this continues for 2 weeks or more. Your provider might want to see what's causing the stomach discomfort and might recommend a longer lasting medication if appropriate. Keep in mind that the manufacturer's label says that you shouldn't take the maximum daily dose of Rolaids for longer than 2 weeks.
            Does Rolaids cure heartburn?
            No, Rolaids won't cure heartburn; it will only help get rid of heartburn discomfort. The best way to cure heartburn is to figure out your heartburn triggers, and then find a way to remove them from your diet.
            Can Rolaids be used during pregnancy?
            Talk to your provider before using any OTC heartburn or stomach medications during pregnancy. Because Rolaids contains magnesium, it might not be safe for you to take depending on which trimester of pregnancy you're in. If you have heartburn during pregnancy, it's best to try to identify your triggers so that you can prevent it. This means that you might need to avoid certain foods, or you might need to eat smaller meals throughout the day.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Rolaids?

            Rolaids can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Medication interactions

            • Risk factors: Taking certain prescription medications

              Rolaids interacts with many prescription medications, which can lower their absorption and weaken their effect. You might need to separate Rolaids from other medications by several hours. Talk to your provider or pharmacist about the medications you're currently taking so they can check for interactions and help you manage them.

              risk-warning

              High blood calcium

              • Risk factors: Kidney problems | Dialysis | Overactive parathyroid gland

                Rolaids contains calcium, which can build up in your blood and lead to dangerously high calcium levels. There's more risk of high calcium if you have a condition (e.g., kidney problems) that causes you to have problems with your calcium levels. Talk to your provider before taking Rolaids if you've ever been told you have abnormal calcium levels.

                dosage

                Rolaids dosage forms

                Typical dosing for Rolaids

                Make sure you check the instructions of the product that you're using since this medication comes in different strengths and might have different age recommendations, directions, or maximum recommended doses. Ask your pharmacist for help with this.

                Some examples include:

                Rolaids (calcium carbonate / magnesium hydroxide)

                • Adults: Each tablet contains 675 mg of calcium carbonate and 135 mg of magnesium hydroxide. Chew 2 to 4 tablets by mouth when you have stomach symptoms, or as directed by your provider. The maximum recommended dose is 10 tablets in 24 hours. Don't take the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks.

                Cidatrine-TM (calcium carbonate / magnesium carbonate)

                • Adults and children (age 12 years and older): Each tablet contains 975 mg of calcium carbonate and 232 mg of magnesium carbonate. Take 3 to 4 tablets by mouth when you have stomach symptoms, or as directed by your provider. The maximum recommended dose is 8 tablets in 24 hours. Don't take the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks.

                As a general rule of thumb, you want to take the fewest amount of pieces as possible.

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Rolaids?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rolaids. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Rolaids
                Used for:

                • Heartburn

                • Indigestion

                • Relief of sour stomach

                View Prices
                Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
                Used for:

                • Prevention and treatment of heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)

                $6.60 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Calcium carbonate
                Used for:
                $5.92 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                References

                Best studies we found

                Chattem, Inc. (2023). ROLAIDS EXTRA STRENGTH FRUIT- calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide tablet, chewable [package insert]. DailyMed.

                MedlinePlus. (2022). Taking antacids.

                National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). 5 drugs you may need to avoid or adjust if you have kidney disease.

                View All References (2)

                Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Magnesium. National Institutes of Health.

                Singular Dreamer Ltd.dba True Marker. (2023). CIDATRINE-TM- calcium carbonate,magnesium carbonate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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