Jeff Greenberg / Getty Images
Indigestion is what causes GERD.
The pain may also worsen when bending over or lying down.
Heartburn-related pain may also be accompanied by abitter taste in the mouth.
Jeff Greenberg / Getty Images
What Are Rolaids?
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
Rolaids works by neutralizing acid and moving it to the stomach.
Neutralizing stomach acid helps relieve indigestion-pop in conditions, such as GERD and heartburn.
Common Formulations
Rolaids is available under varying brand names and formulations.
It is the most potent antacid available for use.
Similarly, magnesium hydroxide helps minimize heartburn symptoms by neutralizing the acid.
It can also work as alaxative, causingdiarrhea.
What Is Tums?
Tums is an antacidapproved by the FDA to relieve heartburn, upset stomach, and indigestion symptoms.
It contains calcium carbonate as its active ingredient.
Like Rolaids, Tums works by neutralizing and reducing acid levels in the stomach.
Like Rolaids, Tums is available under varying brand-name titles and formulations.
Generic Calcium Carbonate
A generic liquid suspension form of calcium carbonate is available OTC.
Dosing Guidelines
OTC Rolaids and Tums are most often administered as chewable tablets.
Conversely, a Rolaids Ultra Strength chewable tablet contains 1330 mg calcium carbonate and 235 mg magnesium hydroxide.
Regarding Tums, chewable tablets can range from 5001,117 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.
Avoid doubling up on doses and stay within the daily recommended dose.
How Effective Are Rolaids vs. Tums?
As such, this data suggests that Rolaids may work faster and last longer than Tums.
Side Effects and Precautions
Rolaids and Tums are generally well tolerated.
However, like all consumable health products, Rolaids and Tums have potential side effects.
If this occurs, you may need more potent medication to treat underlying symptoms.
Summary
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.
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.
DailyMed.Label: Rolaids Extra Strength Fruit calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide tablet, chewable.
DailyMed.Label: Tums calcium carbonate tablet.
National Library of Medicine.Heartburn: what you better know.
American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux/GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment of indigestion.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Antacids.
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.
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.
1996;275(18):1428-1431. doi:10.1001/jama.1996.03530420056036
