Rolaids vs. Tums: Similarities and Differences
Medically reviewed by Femi Aremu, PharmD
More than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at 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 as antacids.
These medications treat symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as heartburn, indigestion, and upset 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
As an antacid, calcium carbonate decreases heartburn symptoms by helping move acid, the culprit of the discomfort, into the stomach. 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 a laxative, causing diarrhea.
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
What Is Indigestion?
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:
Eating patterns (eating too much or too quickly)
Eating too quickly
Diet
Stress
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.
Heartburn-related pain may also be accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth.
The following foods and drinks are most likely to contribute to heartburn:
Spicy foods
Acidic foods (such as tomatoes, oranges, and lemons)
Alcohol
Caffeinated drinks (such as coffee and tea)
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), or proton 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:
Breathing changes
Weight loss
What Are Rolaids?
Rolaids are an antacid approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to relieve heartburn, upset stomach, and indigestion symptoms.
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
Rolaids works by neutralizing acid and moving it to the stomach.
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:
Rolaids Extra Strength (chewable tablet)
Rolaids Ultra Strength (chewable tablet)
Calcium Carbonate/Magnesium Hydroxide in Other Products
The active ingredients in Rolaids, calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide, are also found in the antacid Mylanta and 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.
What Is Tums?
Tums is an antacid approved by the FDA to relieve heartburn, upset stomach, and indigestion symptoms. It contains calcium carbonate as its active ingredient.
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.
How It Works
Like Rolaids, Tums works by neutralizing and reducing acid levels in the stomach.
Common Formulations
Like Rolaids, Tums is available under varying brand-name titles and formulations.
Examples of standard formulations include:
Tums (chewable tablet)
Tums Chewy Bites (chewable tablet)
Tums Smoothies (chewable tablet)
Tums Chewy Bites Ultra Strength (chewable tablet)
Tums Smoothies Extra Strength (chewable tablet)
Tums Sugar-Free (chewable tablet)
Tums Chewy Delights (soft chew)
Tums Ultra (chewable tablet)
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.
Dosing Guidelines
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):
Chew two to four tablets by mouth when you experience symptoms of indigestion.
The maximum recommended dose is 10 tablets in 24 hours.
Avoid consuming the maximum dosage for more than two consecutive weeks.
Rolaids Ultra Strength (1,330/235 mg):
Chew two to three tablets when you experience symptoms of indigestion.
Do not take more than five tablets within 24 hours
Avoid consuming the maximum dosage for more than two consecutive weeks.
Tums
Standard dosing regimens for Tums include:
Tums Extra Strength (750 mg):
Adults and adolescents 12 years and older: Take two to four tablets when you experience symptoms of indigestion.
Do not take more than 10 tablets within 24 hours
If pregnant, do not take more than six tablets within 24 hours.
Tums Ultra Strength (1,000 mg):
Adults and adolescents 12 years and older: Take two to three tablets when you experience symptoms of indigestion.
Do not take more than seven tablets within 24 hours
If pregnant, do not take more than five tablets within 24 hours.
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.
Use of Rolaids or Tums by pregnant or breastfeeding people is generally safe as directed and supervised by a healthcare provider.
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:
Glucocorticoids, such as hydrocortisone
Certain antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones like Levaquin (levofloxacin) or tetracyclines like Doxy-100 (doxycycline)
Thyroid hormones, such as a T4 (thyroxine) test
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Prilosec (omeprazole)
Some minerals used for growth, such as iron supplements
If left uncontrolled, persistent heartburn may lead to esophageal cancer.
How Effective Are Rolaids vs. Tums?
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.
Side Effects and Precautions
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.
Rolaids
Common side effects associated with the use of Rolaids include:
Long-term side effects associated with the use of Rolaids include:
Tums
Common side effects associated with the use of Tums include:
Gas
Constipation
Long-term side effects associated with the use of Tums include:
Hyperphosphatemia (unhealthy levels of phosphate in your blood)
Alternative Treatment Options
Antacids like Rolaids or Tums are reliable treatment options for 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:
Avoiding trigger foods and drinks
Losing weight
Avoiding late-evening meals
Avoiding lying down immediately after eating
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.
Summary
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 Questions
How can I safely store Rolaids or Tums?
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.
How quickly do Rolaids versus Tums begin working?
The two antacids generally work equally well and begin working within 30 minutes of taking them.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
