What Should I Take for Heartburn: Tums vs. Rolaids?
- Tums and Rolaids are over-the-counter antacids that provide rapid relief from occasional heartburn and sour stomach.
- They work by neutralising the acid in the stomach.
- Neither medication prevents symptoms from recurring; instead, they act as a temporary fix for infrequent heartburn.
- The difference is in their ingredients:
- Tums: The active ingredient is calcium carbonate, which neutralises stomach acid.
- Rolaids: Contain calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide. Magnesium is very effective and quick-acting and is often combined with calcium carbonate to combat some of the side effects of the calcium.
- Both Tums and Rolaids are considered very safe; however, the main ingredients (calcium and magnesium) interact with a variety of other medications and supplements because calcium and magnesium can bind to certain medications, preventing their absorption into the body.
Tums and Rolaids are popular over-the-counter antacids that quickly relieve occasional heartburn and sour stomach. They both work by neutralizing stomach acid, effectively reducing the burning sensation from acid reflux and other stomach discomfort.
Both Tums and Rolaids contain calcium carbonate, which neutralizes stomach acid. However, Rolaids also includes magnesium hydroxide. This additional ingredient complements the calcium carbonate and helps to counteract potential side effects, such as constipation.
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How to Take Them
- Chew 1-4 tablets or gummies as soon as symptoms occur.
- Expect relief within minutes which should last from 30 minutes to a few hours.
- Do not use them for more than 2 weeks. If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you are unsure about what to take for persistent pain, it is always best to discuss it with your doctor.
How They Work
Neither of these products prevent symptoms from recurring, but instead act as a temporary fix for occasional relief of heartburn.
Both medications are extremely effective for quick relief of infrequent heartburn. However, if you are finding you need to use antacids like Tums or Rolaids all the time, there are other medications that are more appropriate for long-term relief of chronic heartburn (GERD).
Tums
- Main Ingredient: Calcium carbonate
- Function: Calcium carbonate works by neutralizing stomach acid. When it enters the stomach, it reacts with the acid to form water and carbon dioxide, which helps to reduce acidity and relieve symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. Tums acts quickly, and its effects can last for up to a few hours.
Rolaids
- Main Ingredient: Calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide
- Function: Rolaids also contains calcium carbonate, which works in the same way as in Tums. The additional ingredient, magnesium hydroxide, provides a multi-modal approach to acid neutralization.
How Magnesium Works in Rolaids
- Neutralizing Stomach Acid: Magnesium hydroxide reacts with stomach acid to form magnesium chloride and water. This reaction helps to neutralize the acid.
- Quick Action: It starts working almost immediately upon contact with stomach acid.
- Balancing Side Effects: While calcium carbonate can sometimes cause constipation, magnesium hydroxide has a mild laxative effect. This helps to balance out the potential side effects of calcium carbonate.
Both Tums and Rolaids are effective antacids, but magnesium hydroxide in Rolaids provides an extra layer of relief and helps mitigate some of the side effects associated with calcium carbonate alone.
Side Effects
Both Tums and Rolaids are generally safe for occasional use, but they can cause side effects, especially with frequent or excessive use. While some side effects overlap due to shared ingredients, each medication also has unique potential issues.
Tums
- Burping
- Constipation
- Gas
- Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) if taken in excess. Excessive calcium can lead to severe health risks such as calcium deposits in blood vessels or organs and can be dangerous for individuals with chronic kidney disease.
Rolaids
- Diarrhea (due to magnesium)
- Hypermagnesemia (high magnesium levels) if taken in excess. Excessive magnesium can cause weakness, low blood pressure, and kidney damage, especially in individuals with kidney disease.
- Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) if taken in excess.
Magnesium is known to cause diarrhea, which is why it is often combined with other ingredients like calcium carbonate. The constipating effects of calcium can help balance out the potential for diarrhea.
Taking Antacids with Other Medications
While Tums and Rolaids are generally safe, their active ingredients, calcium and magnesium, can interfere with how your body absorbs other medications and supplements. This is because calcium and magnesium can bind to certain drugs, preventing them from working properly.
Common Medications Affected
- Levothyroxine (thyroid medication)
- Certain antibiotics (like tetracyclines)
- Iron supplements
- Certain antifungal medications
It is very important to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before initiating any new medication or over the counter product, to ensure it’s safe to use with medications you may be taking.
Cost
Tums and Rolaids can be purchased at any regular pharmacy without a prescription. Both products come in a variety of flavours and formulations, such as chewable tablets, soft chews, and gummies. They are also available in different pack sizes, all of which have various price points.
In general, Tums and Rolaids are available for very comparable costs, and many products can be purchased for under $15. Overall, both medications are low-cost options to help manage short-term digestive troubles.
Additionally, if symptoms persist despite using an OTC medication, it could indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Some medications that seem harmless can have unintended effects depending on the stage of pregnancy, so discussing your options with your doctor can help prevent potential complications.
If you are ever not sure, speaking to your doctor can provide reassurance and guidance on the safest options for you and your baby.