Treating Diarrhea Symptoms With Tums Antacid tablets | Home Remedy

Treating Diarrhea With Tums

Diarrhea is an uncomfortable condition that can disrupt your daily life. It is characterized by loose, watery stools occurring more than three times per day. Diarrhea is usually caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection, food intolerance, medications, or an underlying health condition. While most cases of acute diarrhea resolve on their own within a few days, anti-diarrheal medications can help manage symptoms and prevent dehydration. One popular over-the-counter option for treating diarrhea is Tums antacid. But can Tums actually help stop diarrhea?

What Are Tums?

Tums is an antacid made of sucrose and calcium carbonate. It works by neutralizing stomach acid and providing a source of calcium. The active ingredients in Tums include:

• Calcium carbonate - a common antacid that neutralizes stomach acid
• Sodium bicarbonate - helps neutralize acid
• Calcium carbonate USP - provides a calcium source
• Corn starch - adds thickness and stability
• Mineral oil - prevents ingredients from sticking together
• Natural and artificial flavors - provide palatable taste
• Sucrose - sweetens the antacid

Tums comes in chewable tablet, liquid, and softgel forms. The tablets neutralize acid on contact, while the liquids coat and soothe the stomach. Tums is available in different formulations and flavors like Tums Smoothies, Tums Ultra, and Tums Freshers.

How Can Tums Help Treat Diarrhea?

While Tums is formulated as an antacid, some of its ingredients may help alleviate diarrhea symptoms. Here's how Tums could help:

• Calcium carbonate - This mineral can bind to fluids in the intestines, leading to firmer stools.
• Neutralizes acid - Tums buffers stomach acid, which could improve diarrhea that’s associated with indigestion.
• Provides calcium - Diarrhea increases calcium loss, so the calcium in Tums may help replace lost nutrients.
• Absorbent - The compounds in Tums may absorb some excess fluid from the intestines.

Some doctors may recommend trying Tums for mild diarrhea along with rehydration and diet modification. The calcium content can be especially beneficial for diarrhea caused by certain medications, infections, or conditions that deplete calcium levels.

What Does the Research Say?

There is limited research specifically on using Tums to treat diarrhea. However, a few studies provide some supportive evidence:

• A 2008 study in rats found that administering a calcium carbonate antacid for 7 days reduced diarrhea, intestinal motility, and fluid accumulation.
• A 2015 literature review concluded that compounds containing calcium, including some antacids, could improve water absorption and slow motility to relieve diarrhea.
• A 2016 study showed calcium carbonate antacids improved diarrhea, stool consistency, and gastrointestinal pain in patients taking antibiotics.

While these studies show calcium carbonate's anti-diarrheal potential, more research is still needed on using Tums itself as a diarrhea treatment. But Tums is generally recognized as safe for temporary use in managing symptoms.

How to Take Tums for Diarrhea

If you want to try using Tums to manage diarrhea, consider the following dosage tips:

• Take 2-4 regular-strength Tums tablets as needed to control symptoms.
• Allow tablets to dissolve completely in the mouth for faster relief.
• Chewable tablets typically provide faster relief than Tums liquids.
• Drink a glass of water after taking Tums to help flush the intestines.
• Limit intake to no more than 10-12 tablets in a 24-hour period.
• Discontinue use and see a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 48 hours.

For children ages 12 and under, consult a pediatrician for appropriate Tums dosing based on weight and age. Give children the unflavored Tums formulation to avoid potential allergens.

Tips for Maximizing Relief

Here are some additional tips to get the most out of using Tums for diarrhea:

• Take Tums with the first signs of diarrhea, as early intervention can help slow symptoms.
• Chew tablets thoroughly before swallowing to release the neutralizing agents.
• Avoid citrus flavors like orange and lemon, as citric acid can irritate the stomach.
• Stick to bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast after taking Tums.
• Drink plenty of water, clear broths, or electrolyte beverages to prevent dehydration.
• Get plenty of rest and avoid dairy, high-fiber foods, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty meals.
• Contact your doctor if symptoms don't improve within 48 hours of taking Tums.

Precautions and Side Effects

When used occasionally, Tums is likely safe for most people. However, the following precautions are important to consider:

• Allergies - Don't use Tums if you have sensitivities to any of the ingredients.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding - Check with your OBGYN before using while pregnant or nursing.
• Children - Only give Tums to kids under 12 with a doctor's guidance on dosage.
• High calcium levels - Avoid taking Tums if you have a history of hypercalcemia or kidney stones.
• Other medications - Tums can interact with some drugs like quinolone antibiotics. Check for interactions.
• Severe diarrhea - Seek medical care if diarrhea lasts over 48 hours or is accompanied by fever, bloody stools, or severe pain.

Possible mild side effects from Tums include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach fullness or bloating
• Burping
• Chalky taste
• Mild constipation

Discontinue Tums and consult your doctor if any worrisome symptoms develop after taking it.

When to See a Doctor

While using Tums can provide temporary relief for mild diarrhea, it's important to see a doctor in certain situations, including:

• Diarrhea lasts more than 2 days
• You observe blood or mucus in the stool
• You have a fever above 101 F
• Severely dehydrated from diarrhea and vomiting
• Diarrhea follows recent antibiotic use
• You have recently traveled and suspect infectious diarrhea
• Your child has diarrhea and is showing signs of dehydration

Seeking medical care is crucial if diarrhea symptoms are severe or persistent to help diagnose and treat the underlying cause. Your doctor can provide hydration support, recommend anti-diarrheal medications, or prescribe antibiotics for infectious diarrhea if needed.

When to Call 911

In rare cases of severe dehydration from diarrhea, you may need emergency care. Call 911 or go to the ER if you experience:

• Rapid heart rate
• Fainting or dizziness when standing
• Confusion
• Very dark urine or inability to urinate
• Bloody or black stools
• Persistent vomiting
• High fever
• Severe abdominal pain or rigidity

Rapid treatment for dehydration can help prevent serious complications. So it's better to be safe and seek emergency care if you have these alarming symptoms.

The Bottom Line

For occasional diarrhea, Tums may offer some symptom relief as it contains compounds that can firm up stools and absorb fluid. Make sure to use Tums as directed, stay hydrated, and discontinue use if diarrhea persists more than 48 hours. While Tums shouldn't replace medical treatment, its calcium carbonate and binding properties may benefit mild cases if used cautiously. But you should still see a doctor for persistent diarrhea, bloody stools, dehydration, severe pain, or fever to fully cure the cause.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.