Tums
Tums (stylized as TUMS) is an over-the-counter brand of chewable antacid tablets used to provide rapid relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, and upset stomach by neutralizing excess stomach acid, with calcium carbonate as its primary active ingredient.[1][2] Invented in 1928 by St. Louis pharmacist James Howe to alleviate his wife's indigestion, Tums was first introduced to the public in 1930 by the Lewis-Howe Company and quickly gained popularity as a convenient, flavored remedy.[3][4] The product's formulation centers on calcium carbonate, which reacts with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide, thereby reducing acidity and raising gastric pH.[2][5] Available in various strengths—such as regular (500 mg), extra strength (750 mg), and ultra strength (1,000 mg) of calcium carbonate per tablet—and flavors including peppermint, assorted fruit, and tropical fruit, Tums tablets also provide a dietary source of elemental calcium and are often recommended by healthcare professionals as the leading antacid brand for adults.[6][1] Originally produced in St. Louis, Missouri, the brand remained under family ownership for nearly five decades before being acquired by Revlon in the 1970s, then Block Drug in 1995, and eventually GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) following its merger with Block Drug.[4] In 2022, GSK spun off its consumer healthcare division into an independent company named Haleon, which now owns and manufactures Tums as part of its digestive health portfolio, serving consumers in over 170 markets worldwide.[7][8] Recognized for over 90 years of providing fast-acting relief—often within seconds of chewing—Tums continues to be a staple in managing occasional gastrointestinal discomfort, though users are advised to consult physicians for persistent symptoms or interactions with other medications.[3][9]Overview
Description and Purpose
TUMS is a brand of chewable antacid tablets designed to provide quick relief from common digestive discomforts, including heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, and upset stomach associated with these symptoms.[10] The product, stylized in all capital letters as TUMS, is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. The active ingredient in TUMS tablets is calcium carbonate, which neutralizes excess stomach acid to alleviate symptoms rapidly, often within seconds of chewing.[11] For general use, adults and children 12 years and older are instructed to chew 2 to 4 tablets for regular strength or 2 to 3 tablets for extra or ultra strength as symptoms occur, or as directed by a healthcare provider, with daily limits varying by formulation—typically not exceeding 15 tablets for regular strength (500 mg calcium carbonate per tablet) or 7 tablets for ultra strength (1,000 mg per tablet).[12][1][13] These guidelines emphasize complete chewing or crushing before swallowing to ensure effectiveness and safety.[14] Each tablet also provides elemental calcium, about 500 mg (40% of the daily value) for regular strength, contributing to dietary calcium intake.[11] As an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, TUMS is widely available without a prescription in pharmacies, supermarkets, grocery stores, and online retailers, making it accessible for on-demand relief of occasional acid-related issues.Composition and Ingredients
Tums antacid tablets primarily consist of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) as the active ingredient, which is present in varying concentrations depending on the product strength: 500 mg, 750 mg, or 1000 mg per tablet.[11][15][1] This calcium carbonate is sourced from high-purity limestone through mining processes that ensure pharmaceutical-grade quality.[3] In standard formulations, inactive ingredients include sucrose as the primary sweetener, along with binders such as corn starch and talc, as well as lubricants like mineral oil and sodium polyphosphate.[11] Natural and artificial flavors are added to enhance palatability, while colors such as FD&C Blue #1 Lake, FD&C Red #40 Lake, and FD&C Yellow #5 Lake provide visual appeal in assorted fruit varieties.[11] Sugar-free variants replace sucrose with alternative sweeteners like sucralose and sorbitol to accommodate dietary restrictions, while retaining similar binders and flavor components, including acacia gum and calcium stearate.[16][17] These formulations maintain the core calcium carbonate content but adjust excipients to eliminate sugar without compromising chewability or stability.[15]History
Invention and Early Development
Tums was invented in 1928 by pharmacist James Harvey Howe in St. Louis, Missouri, who developed the product to alleviate his wife Nellie's chronic indigestion ahead of a cruise they planned to take.[3][18] Dissatisfied with the chalky taste of existing antacids, Howe experimented with a formula combining ground calcium carbonate—sourced from Ozark marble—with sugar and flavorings to create a more palatable chewable tablet.[18] This innovation transformed the basic antacid into something resembling a pleasant-tasting candy, making it easier for consumers to take regularly for relief from acid indigestion and upset stomach.[3] The Tums brand was officially introduced to the public in 1930 through the Lewis-Howe Company, named after Howe and his pharmacist uncle, A.H. Lewis.[3] Initial production occurred in a modest facility in downtown St. Louis, where the tablets were first manufactured on a small scale after proving popular among friends and family.[18] The product's name originated from a radio contest sponsored by the company, which was won by a nurse who suggested "Tums for the tummy," capturing its intended use for stomach discomfort.[3] Early marketing emphasized the tablet's candy-like appeal and minty flavor, positioning it as an enjoyable alternative to bitter remedies, with initial sales focused locally in St. Louis pharmacies before gradual expansion to regional and national markets.[18] By the mid-20th century, Tums had achieved widespread recognition as a leading over-the-counter antacid, remaining under family ownership during its formative years.[3] The brand's national footprint grew steadily, supported by the first nationwide newspaper advertisement launched in 1951, which highlighted its quick relief for heartburn and gas.[3] This was followed by the debut of simple animated television commercials in 1961, featuring the iconic jingle and further solidifying Tums' presence in American households.[3]Ownership Changes and Manufacturing
Tums originated from the Lewis-Howe Company, founded in 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri, by pharmacist James Harvey Howe and his uncle A.H. Lewis, and remained under family ownership for nearly 50 years.[4] In 1978, the company was acquired by Revlon, which integrated it into its Norcliff Thayer division, marking the end of independent family control.[19] In 1986, Beecham Group purchased Revlon's Norcliff Thayer division, bringing Tums under its portfolio.[4] This was followed by a series of corporate mergers: in 1989, Beecham merged with SmithKline Beckman to form SmithKline Beecham plc; then, in 2000, SmithKline Beecham combined with Glaxo Wellcome to create GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).[4] In July 2022, GSK completed the demerger of its consumer healthcare business, spinning off brands including Tums to establish Haleon as an independent publicly listed company. Under Haleon ownership, Tums continues to be produced at the company's longstanding facility in downtown St. Louis, Missouri—the original manufacturing site established in 1930—which employs around 300 staff and outputs more than six billion tablets annually.[3] This production supports Tums' position as a leading brand in the U.S. antacids market, valued at approximately $3 billion in 2024 and part of Haleon's broader digestive health category that generated £2.0 billion in revenue that year.[20][21] Haleon has also expanded Tums distribution to international markets, including Canada, where it participates in local health initiatives and product availability.[22]Medical Uses
Indications and Dosage
Tums is primarily indicated for the relief of heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, and upset stomach associated with these symptoms due to excess gastric acid.[2] It is intended for occasional use only and is suitable for adults and children 12 years of age and older.[2] Tums should not be used for long-term treatment or for managing chronic conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) without consulting a physician.[10] The recommended dosage varies by product strength and is as follows for adults and children 12 years and older; tablets must be chewed thoroughly before swallowing, and users should not exceed the maximum daily limit or use the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks except under medical supervision.[2]| Strength (Calcium Carbonate per Tablet) | Dose per Use | Maximum Daily Tablets |
|---|---|---|
| Regular (500 mg) | 2–4 tablets as symptoms occur | 15 tablets |
| Extra (750 mg) | 2–4 tablets as symptoms occur | 10 tablets |
| Ultra (1,000 mg) | 2–3 tablets as symptoms occur | 7 tablets |