Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Indigestion?What Are Rolaids?What Is Tums?Dosing GuidelinesHow Effective Are Rolaids vs. Tums?Side Effects and PrecautionsAlternative Treatment OptionsSummaryFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Indigestion?
What Are Rolaids?
What Is Tums?
Dosing Guidelines
How Effective Are Rolaids vs. Tums?
Side Effects and Precautions
Alternative Treatment Options
Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
More than 60 million Americans experienceheartburnat least once a month, and approximately 15 million Americans experience symptoms of heartburn daily.
Rolaids (calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide) and Tums (calcium carbonate) belong to a class of over-the-counter (OTC) medications known asantacids.
These medications treat symptoms associated withgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such asheartburn,indigestion, andupset stomach.
The significant difference between the two medications is that Rolaids contains a combination of calcium and magnesium, while Tums only contains the calcium component.
The Role of Antacids
This article will provide an overview of Rolaids and Tums, highlighting their similarities and differences and explaining how to use them appropriately, how well they work, potential side effects, and more.
Jeff Greenberg / Getty Images
The terms GERD (a chronic medical condition in which stomach acid moves into the esophagus, causing discomfort),heartburn, and indigestion are often used interchangeably, but they shouldn’t be.
GERD is the diagnosis; indigestion causes GERD, and heartburn is a symptom of GERD.
Indigestion is not a specific health condition but a collection of symptoms affecting the upper stomach, including pain, bloating, burping, and nausea.
Causes of GERD
Indigestion is what causes GERD.
Several factors can contribute to indigestion:
Causes of Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest at night or after eating. The pain may also worsen when bending over or lying down.
The following foods and drinks are most likely tocontribute to heartburn:
Heartburn and indigestion can be treated with lifestyle changes or medications such as antacids, histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2 blockers, medications used in the treatment of acid-peptic disease), orproton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Identifying Severe Heartburn
Frequent heartburn that does not improve after self-treatment could be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
The following severe symptoms may be a cause for concern:
Rolaids are most commonly available as an orally administered chewable tablet.
Though adults and children can safely take Rolaids, younger people should be monitored carefully.
And, in children younger than 2 years old, healthcare providers will often discourage their use entirely.
How It Works
Neutralizing stomach acid helps relieve indigestion-type conditions, such as GERD and heartburn.
Common Formulations
Rolaids is available under varying brand names and formulations.
Examples of standard formulations include:
Calcium Carbonate/Magnesium Hydroxide in Other Products
The active ingredients in Rolaids, calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide, are also found in the antacidMylantaand used to treat the same symptoms.
Additionally, calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, a generic product for the treatment of indigestion, are available as generic products commonly administered as chewable tablets.
It is generally recommended that Tums are only used in adults and adolescents 12 years old and older.
Brand-name Tums are typically administered in the form of a chewable tablet.
Like Rolaids, Tums is available under varying brand-name titles and formulations.
Calcium Carbonate in Other Products
Calcium carbonate is also found in other antacids like Rolaids, Mylanta, Alka-Seltzer, and Maalox to treat indigestion-related symptoms.
Generic Calcium Carbonate
A generic liquid suspension form of calcium carbonate is available OTC.
OTC Rolaids and Tums are most often administered as chewable tablets.
For Rolaids, an extra-strength chewable tablet contains 675 milligrams (mg) of calcium carbonate and 135 mg of magnesium hydroxide.
Conversely, a Rolaids Ultra Strength chewable tablet contains 1330 mg calcium carbonate and 235 mg magnesium hydroxide.
Regarding Tums, chewable tablets can range from 500–1,117 mg, depending on the formulation.
Both soft chew and tablet formulations can be chewed. Take caution with soft chew tablets containing dairy or soy products.
The following outlines basic dosing strategies for Rolaids and Tums.
Rolaids
Standard dosing regimens for Rolaids include:
Rolaids Extra Strength (675/135 mg):
Rolaids Ultra Strength (1,330/235 mg):
Tums
Standard dosing regimens for Tums include:
Tums Extra Strength (750 mg):
Tums Ultra Strength (1,000 mg):
Safe Use Guidance
Rolaids and Tums should only be taken as directed and used as needed. Avoid doubling up on doses and stay within the daily recommended dose.
Preexisting Conditions
Consult with your provider before taking antacids if you currently or have previously experienced any of the following conditions:
Potential for Interaction
Avoid taking antacids with the following medications, which may affect absorption and effectiveness:
If left uncontrolled, persistent heartburn may lead toesophageal cancer.
A study comparing a magnesium hydroxide-containing formulation to calcium carbonate alone revealed the magnesium hydroxide formulation had a faster onset of action and lasted longer than calcium carbonate alone.
As such, this data suggests that Rolaids may work faster and last longer than Tums.
Rolaids and Tums are generally well tolerated.
However, like all consumable health products, Rolaids and Tums have potential side effects.
Therefore, while using either product, monitor yourself or a loved one closely for the emergence of side effects that worsen or fail to dissipate over time.
Common side effects associated with the use of Rolaids include:
Long-term side effects associated with the use of Rolaids include:
Common side effects associated with the use of Tums include:
Long-term side effects associated with the use of Tums include:
Antacids like Rolaids or Tums are reliabletreatment optionsfor indigestion-related symptoms.
Aside from taking these medications, there are lifestyle changes you can make that may also help lessen the severity of symptoms, including the following:
If symptoms fail to improve with medication or lifestyle changes, your provider may request additional testing to rule out other causes.
If this occurs, you may need more potent medication to treat underlying symptoms.
Heartburn impacts millions of Americans.
Indigestion refers to a group of symptoms contributing to disease, while heartburn is a specific symptom associated with burning in the chest.
Antacids such as Rolaids and Tums treat heartburn and related symptoms.
The significant difference between these two medications is their active ingredients. Rolaids combine calcium and magnesium, while Tums only contains the calcium component.
Understanding the differences in these drugs helps you choose the best and most appropriate therapy.
Neither medication is intended for long-term use. If symptoms have not improved after two weeks of taking either medication, consult your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked QuestionsRolaids and Tums should be stored in a secure, dry area at room temperature (68–77 degrees F).Do not store them in an area susceptible to high levels of heat or moisture, such as a bathroom.Furthermore, if applicable, keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.The two antacids generally work equally well and begin working within 30 minutes of taking them.
Rolaids and Tums should be stored in a secure, dry area at room temperature (68–77 degrees F).Do not store them in an area susceptible to high levels of heat or moisture, such as a bathroom.Furthermore, if applicable, keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.
Rolaids and Tums should be stored in a secure, dry area at room temperature (68–77 degrees F).
Do not store them in an area susceptible to high levels of heat or moisture, such as a bathroom.
Furthermore, if applicable, keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.
The two antacids generally work equally well and begin working within 30 minutes of taking them.
24 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Heartburn: what you need to know.DailyMed.Label: Rolaids Extra Strength Fruit — calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums — calcium carbonate tablet.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Antacids.MedlinePlus.Gastroesophageal reflux disease.American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux/GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of indigestion.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment of indigestion.MedlinePlus.Calcium carbonate.DailyMed.Label: Rolaids Ultra Strength Mint — calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Mylanta Coat and Cool — calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone liquid.DailyMed.Label: Tums Chewy Bites — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.MedlinePlus.Calcium carbonate.DailyMed.Label: Tums Smoothies — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums Chewy Bites Mixed Fruit — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums Extra Strength Sugar-Free — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums Chewy Delights — calcium carbonate bar, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums Ultra — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: calcium carbonate 500 mg — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457American Cancer Society.Esophageal cancer risk factors.Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457Ness-Jensen E, Hveem K, El-Serag H, Lagergren J.Lifestyle intervention in gastroesophageal reflux disease.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016;14(2):175-82.e823. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2015.04.176Feldman M.Comparison of the effects of over-the-counter famotidine and calcium carbonate antacid on postprandial gastric acid: a randomized controlled trial.JAMA. 1996;275(18):1428-1431. doi:10.1001/jama.1996.03530420056036
24 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Heartburn: what you need to know.DailyMed.Label: Rolaids Extra Strength Fruit — calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums — calcium carbonate tablet.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Antacids.MedlinePlus.Gastroesophageal reflux disease.American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux/GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of indigestion.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment of indigestion.MedlinePlus.Calcium carbonate.DailyMed.Label: Rolaids Ultra Strength Mint — calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Mylanta Coat and Cool — calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone liquid.DailyMed.Label: Tums Chewy Bites — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.MedlinePlus.Calcium carbonate.DailyMed.Label: Tums Smoothies — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums Chewy Bites Mixed Fruit — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums Extra Strength Sugar-Free — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums Chewy Delights — calcium carbonate bar, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums Ultra — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: calcium carbonate 500 mg — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457American Cancer Society.Esophageal cancer risk factors.Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457Ness-Jensen E, Hveem K, El-Serag H, Lagergren J.Lifestyle intervention in gastroesophageal reflux disease.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016;14(2):175-82.e823. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2015.04.176Feldman M.Comparison of the effects of over-the-counter famotidine and calcium carbonate antacid on postprandial gastric acid: a randomized controlled trial.JAMA. 1996;275(18):1428-1431. doi:10.1001/jama.1996.03530420056036
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Library of Medicine.Heartburn: what you need to know.DailyMed.Label: Rolaids Extra Strength Fruit — calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums — calcium carbonate tablet.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Antacids.MedlinePlus.Gastroesophageal reflux disease.American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux/GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of indigestion.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment of indigestion.MedlinePlus.Calcium carbonate.DailyMed.Label: Rolaids Ultra Strength Mint — calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Mylanta Coat and Cool — calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone liquid.DailyMed.Label: Tums Chewy Bites — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.MedlinePlus.Calcium carbonate.DailyMed.Label: Tums Smoothies — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums Chewy Bites Mixed Fruit — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums Extra Strength Sugar-Free — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums Chewy Delights — calcium carbonate bar, chewable.DailyMed.Label: Tums Ultra — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Label: calcium carbonate 500 mg — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457American Cancer Society.Esophageal cancer risk factors.Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457Ness-Jensen E, Hveem K, El-Serag H, Lagergren J.Lifestyle intervention in gastroesophageal reflux disease.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016;14(2):175-82.e823. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2015.04.176Feldman M.Comparison of the effects of over-the-counter famotidine and calcium carbonate antacid on postprandial gastric acid: a randomized controlled trial.JAMA. 1996;275(18):1428-1431. doi:10.1001/jama.1996.03530420056036
National Library of Medicine.Heartburn: what you need to know.
DailyMed.Label: Rolaids Extra Strength Fruit — calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide tablet, chewable.
DailyMed.Label: Tums — calcium carbonate tablet.
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MedlinePlus.Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux/GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of indigestion.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment of indigestion.
MedlinePlus.Calcium carbonate.
DailyMed.Label: Rolaids Ultra Strength Mint — calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, chewable.
DailyMed.Label: Mylanta Coat and Cool — calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone liquid.
DailyMed.Label: Tums Chewy Bites — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.
DailyMed.Label: Tums Smoothies — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.
DailyMed.Label: Tums Chewy Bites Mixed Fruit — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.
DailyMed.Label: Tums Extra Strength Sugar-Free — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.
DailyMed.Label: Tums Chewy Delights — calcium carbonate bar, chewable.
DailyMed.Label: Tums Ultra — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.
DailyMed.Label: calcium carbonate 500 mg — calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.
Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457
American Cancer Society.Esophageal cancer risk factors.
Ness-Jensen E, Hveem K, El-Serag H, Lagergren J.Lifestyle intervention in gastroesophageal reflux disease.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016;14(2):175-82.e823. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2015.04.176
Feldman M.Comparison of the effects of over-the-counter famotidine and calcium carbonate antacid on postprandial gastric acid: a randomized controlled trial.JAMA. 1996;275(18):1428-1431. doi:10.1001/jama.1996.03530420056036
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