Can you take Tums everyday for acid reflux?

Antacids are an effective way to treat heartburn and indigestion. But they're not meant for long-term daily use.

Can long-term use of Tums be harmful?

Antacids like Tums and Rolaids contain calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide to help neutralize the acid in your stomach. They can provide fast, short-term relief and do not have lasting harmful side effects if taken as directed.

How long can you take Tums for acid reflux?

Do not take the maximum dose of the medication for more than 2 weeks unless directed by your doctor. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Is it OK to take acid reducers everyday?

Some people with acid reflux get into the habit of taking over-the-counter antacids daily to prevent symptoms, but this can be harmful in the long run. Long-term use of antacids leads to an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, gastrointestinal infections and pneumonia.

What is the safest antacid for long-term use?

Results of numerous clinical trials indicate that oral pantoprazole is safe and well tolerated for short-term treatment of GERD and for longer term maintenance therapy in patients with healed erosive esophagitis.

Acid Reflux & GERD | TUMS

What can I take long-term for acid reflux?

Prescription-strength treatments for GERD include: Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors. These include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex) and dexlansoprazole (Dexilant).

Can you take Tums every night?

While both types of medication can be safe for long-term use, it is crucial to talk with your physician before taking them for more than two weeks. You need to get to the root of the problem to ensure you don't have a serious health condition masking itself as indigestion.

What happens if you take Tums every day?

But overuse or misuse can sometimes cause unwanted and even serious side effects. In rare cases, you could experience constipation, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. One potential downside of long-term heavy use is that the medication could put you at an increased risk for osteoporosis.

Do you have to take acid reflux medication forever?

Like any medication, patients should only use PPIs for as long as necessary to treat their underlying condition. “It is critically important that patients take their medications only as directed,” Chang said. “The FDA recommends that PPIs be administered over a four week course of treatment, three times a year.”

What is considered long-term acid reflux?

Having acid reflux and heartburn now and then is totally normal. But, if you have acid reflux/heartburn more than twice a week over a period of several weeks, constantly take heartburn medications and antacids yet your symptoms keep returning, you may have developed GERD.

When should you not use Tums?

Why can't you take Tums for more than 2 weeks?

Tums, as mentioned, also contains calcium which is absorbed into the body. Although calcium is vital for the bones and overall good health, too much calcium is dangerous and can lead to heart and kidney problems.

What can I use as a natural antacid?

Baking soda is inexpensive and totally natural. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of water. The baking soda will help neutralize acid.

How many Tums a day is too many?

TUMS Naturals: Do not take more than 5 tablets in 24 hours.

What can I take instead of Tums?

Try Baking Soda or Apple Cider Vinegar

Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in eight fluid ounces of water and sip slowly for temporary relief (note, though, that this is not a long-term solution or suitable if you are pregnant).

What happens too many Tums?

Calcium carbonate is not very poisonous. Few people die from an antacid overdose, and recovery is quite likely. However, high calcium levels can cause serious heart rhythm disturbances, as well as kidney stones and damage to kidney function. Long-term overuse is often more serious than a single overdose.

How long does it take for acid reflux to go back to normal?

If you have reflux, medicine that reduces the stomach acid helps your body heal. It might take 1 to 3 weeks to heal.

What happens if you have acid reflux for a long time?

Over time, chronic inflammation in your esophagus can cause: Inflammation of the tissue in the esophagus (esophagitis). Stomach acid can break down tissue in the esophagus, causing inflammation, bleeding, and sometimes an open sore (ulcer). Esophagitis can cause pain and make swallowing difficult.

Why won't my acid reflux go away even with medication?

The technical definition of GERD is mild acid reflux that occurs twice a week or moderate to severe acid reflux that occurs once a week. When over-the-counter medicines don't make a dent in the horrible heartburn, you likely have GERD.

How many times a week can you take Tums?

When using this product: Do not take more than 10 tablets in 24 hours. If pregnant, do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours. Do not use the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks except under the advice and supervision of a doctor.

How many Tums should I take for acid reflux?

Adults and children 12 years of age and over: chew and swallow 2-3 tablets as symptoms occur, or as directed by a doctor. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are presently taking a prescription drug. Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs.

Do Tums help with acid reflux?

Acid can back up in the stomach and flow up into the esophagus, causing heartburn. This may be caused by spicy or fatty foods, eating before bed, over drinking, stress, and smoking. TUMS goes to work in seconds. TUMS provides fast heartburn relief.

Should I drink water after taking Tums?

Follow the directions on the label. Drink a glass of water after taking this medication. Antacids are usually taken after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your care team.

What helps acid reflux at night?

Elevating your head and chest higher than your feet as you sleep can help prevent and ease acid reflux and heartburn. You can do this using a foam wedge placed under the mattress or by raising bedposts using wood blocks. Beware of piling pillows, as this usually isn't effective and may even make your symptoms worse.

Can you get permanent damage from acid reflux?

GERD can be a problem if it's not treated because, over time, the reflux of stomach acid damages the tissue lining the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain. In adults, long-lasting, untreated GERD can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus.