Calcium carbonate
TUMS
Pronunciation: KAL-see-um KAR-bon-ayt
What it isCalcium salt acting as an antacid and supplement.
Why this oneCheapest calcium source and best absorbed with food, and it doubles as an antacid and phosphate binder.
What limits itIt needs gastric acid, so citrate is preferred on a PPI. Constipation; it binds levothyroxine and quinolones.
FDA-approved for
- antacid
- calcium supplementation
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acid indigestion / heartburn (OTC antacid) | Adults & children ≥12 y | Chew 2–4 tablets PRN as symptoms occur | Chew 2–4 tablets PRN as symptoms occur | Not stated on label |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Chew tablets completely — do not swallow whole.
- Do not use for symptoms persisting >2 weeks unless advised by a doctor.
- Children <12 y: dose only as directed by a doctor (no OTC dose given).
Available strengths
- chew tab 400, 420, 500, 750, 1000, 1177, 1500 mg
- cap 55 mg/500 mg
- tab 420, 500, 648, 750, 1000, 1250 mg
- tab 55, 90 mg/500 mg
- tab 200.4 mg/600 mg
- gum 500, 750 mg
- lozenge 250 mg
- lozenge 200 mg/7 g
- + 5 other marketed forms not shown
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
Cost
Calcium carbonate (TUMS)
What pharmacies pay · NADAC 9/30/26 · OTC
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400 mg | chew tab | per unit | not offered | |
| 420 mg | chew tab | per unit | not offered | |
| 500 mg | chew tab | per unit | $0.02/ea | not offered |
| 750 mg | chew tab | per unit | $0.03/ea | not offered |
| 1000 mg | chew tab | per unit | $0.04/ea | not offered |
| 1177 mg | chew tab | per unit | not offered | |
| 1500 mg | chew tab | per unit | not offered |
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskConstipation; binds other drugs in the gut
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Defining liabilityConstipation and excessive-use hypercalcemia or milk-alkali syndrome