Reviewed by Dr. Younghun Cho
Pharmacist's Verdict
Tums Ultra Strength is a fast, effective, and affordable choice for immediate relief from occasional heartburn, but it doesn't prevent future symptoms and shouldn't be used for chronic issues.
Ingredient Analysis
Calcium Carbonate (1000 mg)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Works very quickly, often providing relief in minutes.
- Also serves as a source of supplemental calcium.
- Widely available over-the-counter and inexpensive.
- Easy to take as a chewable tablet with a pleasant taste.
Cons
- Relief is temporary; it only neutralizes existing acid, it doesn't prevent more from being made.
- Can cause constipation or gas, especially with frequent use.
- May interfere with the absorption of other drugs, including certain antibiotics and iron supplements.
- Overuse can lead to too much calcium in the blood, a condition called hypercalcemia, though this is rare.
Research & References
FDA and PubMed citations are being compiled for this product.