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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.

calcium carbonate

 

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Rolaids

 

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Summary for Tums

Over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Tums

Pros and Cons for Tums

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

Common Side Effects for Tums

Warnings for Tums

  • High blood calcium levels
  • Interactions with other medications

Summary for Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

Over-the-counter

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

Indications for Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

  • Heartburn
  • Indigestion
  • Relief of sour stomach

Pros and Cons for Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

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 for Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

See Risks and Warnings

Warnings for Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

  • Medication interactions
  • High blood calcium

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

Price Card Drug Icon
Calcium Carbonate60 tablets / 600mg
$6.37-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Calcium Carbonate/Magnesium Hydroxide30 chewable tablets / 675mg/135mg
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