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Compare Tums vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Calcium carbonate (Tums, Pepto Kids) and calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide (Rolaids) are both over-the-counter antacids used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and sour stomach. But they have several differences. The main difference between the two is that Tums contains only calcium carbonate, while Rolaids combines calcium carbonate with magnesium hydroxide. This combination in Rolaids can provide faster relief and may be less likely to cause constipation compared to Tums. However, Rolaids may not be suitable for long-term use and can interact with more medications due to the presence of magnesium. Both medications come in various strengths and formulations. If you are pregnant or have conditions affecting calcium levels, consult your healthcare professional before using either product.

drug combination

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  • Calcium carbonate
    Rolaids
  • Calcium carbonate
    Rolaids

  • Summary of Tums vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Summary for Antacid

    Calcium carbonate is an antacid. It's mainly used to relieve symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn and indigestion, for adults and children. Sometimes, providers might prescribe it as a supplement to prevent calcium deficiency. Calcium carbonate is available over the counter in several different formulations, including chewable tablets and oral solutions. Side effects from calcium carbonate are rare, but some people have reported constipation.

    Summary for Antacid

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

  • Indications of Tums vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Indications for
    •Heartburn
    •Indigestion
    •Sour or upset stomach
    Indications for
    •Heartburn
    •Indigestion
    •Relief of sour stomach

  • Pros and Cons of Tums vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Pros and Const for Antacid
    Pros
    •Works within minutes to treat heartburn symptoms
    •Chewable tablets come in many different flavors for better taste
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available over the counter
    Cons
    •Shouldn't be used for longer than 2 weeks without speaking to a healthcare provider
    •Not the best option if you have high levels of calcium in your body
    •Can raise the risk of kidney stones in some people
    •Might need to take multiple tablets several times throughout the day
    Pros and Const for Antacid
    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)
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Tums vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation
    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings

  • Warnings of Tums vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood calcium levels
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Medication interactions
    •High blood calcium

  • Prices with our coupons for Tums vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

    Learn more about Calcium carbonate
    Learn more about Rolaids

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