Don’t Treat Tums Like Candy
As with most things, moderation is key. The manufacturer advises pregnant people to limit themselves to a maximum of 15 TUMS Regular Strength 500 within any 24-hour period. The maximums differ from product to product, so be sure to read the bottle carefully and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Dr. Clark suggests keeping an eye on intake and symptoms. “If you find you are using TUMS daily or they do not relieve your symptoms, be sure to let your obstetrical care provider know.”
If TUMS aren’t working to relieve your symptoms after a while, don’t fret. “It may be time to consider alternative therapy for your symptoms of GERD, like a prescription medication,” says Dr. Clark.
How Many Tums Can I Take While Pregnant At Craigslist
How Many Tums Can I Take While Pregnant. Do not take more than 15 tablets in 24 hours. How many tums 750 can i take?
Be sure to take tums at a. The tums label advises taking only a few in one sitting, not exceeding 7,500 milligrams, which depending on the dosage can range anywhere from 7. However, it is still important to speak with a physician before taking tums.
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Conditions Treated By Pepto
Pepto-Bismol is FDA approved to treat heartburn, a digestive problem that can also be a symptom of acid reflux and GERD . Pepto-Bismol can treat acid indigestion, which includes symptoms like abdominal discomfort, bloating, and nausea. In addition, Pepto-Bismol can treat travelers diarrhea and occasional diarrhea, as well as peptic ulcer disease caused by Helicobacter pylori. When used for H. pylori, bismuth subsalicylate is taken with other antibiotics to treat the infection.
Tums is labeled to treat heartburn and indigestion. It helps neutralize and decrease the amount of acid in the stomach to relieve symptoms such as bloating and abdominal discomfort. Calcium carbonate is sometimes combined with simethicone to relieve symptoms of gas and flatulence associated with indigestion.
Because Pepto-Bismol can sometimes contain calcium carbonatethe same ingredient in Tumsits important to check the package labeling and ask your healthcare provider to make sure youre taking the right product.
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Do Tums Help Nausea During Pregnancy
And sometimes that stomach acid gets really ambitious and does more than cause heartburn.
As it turns out, TUMS can come to the rescue here too.
As this medical review of multiple studies tells us, antacids are a good first line of defense.
That being said, if youre really struggling with your symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider for advice.
You dont have to just battle through this alone.
Can I Take Pepcid And Tums Together During Pregnancy
Sometimes Tums just are not enough to eliminate acid reflux or heartburn. Pepcid, the brand name for famotidine, is another common over-the-counter heartburn relief medication. Pepcid belongs to the H2-blocker drug class, meaning that it works to reduce reflux by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
Tums works differently than Pepcid. Instead of decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach, Tums neutralizes the acid already present in the stomach . Because these two medications work differently, it is safe to use them at the same time .
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Symptoms Of Indigestion And Heartburn
Symptoms of indigestion and heartburn include:
- a burning sensation or pain in the chest
- feeling full, heavy or bloated
- burping or belching
- feeling or being sick
- bringing up food
Symptoms usually come on soon after eating or drinking, but there can sometimes be a delay between eating and developing indigestion.
You can get symptoms at any point during your pregnancy, but they are more common from 27 weeks onwards.
Can I Use Pepto
Pepto-Bismol is not generally recommended for pregnant women due to a possible increased risk of bleeding. Tums may be taken occasionally for indigestion in recommended doses. However, its important for pregnant women to be aware of calcium intake since they may be taking other prenatal vitamins or supplements. Get medical advice from your healthcare provider if youre experiencing heartburn or indigestion while pregnant.
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What Tums Can I Take While Pregnant
Are antacids like Tums and others safe to take while pregnant? Youll be relieved to learn that calcium carbonate antacids like Tums are safe for use throughout pregnancy. Additionally, calcium carbonate antacids supplement your diet with additional calcium. This might assist you in achieving your increased daily calcium goal of 1,0001,300 mg.
Best Antacids During Pregnancy
Until I was diagnosed with GERD and got a prescription for a proton pump inhibitor, I slept with a bottle of Tums on the nightstand. Every night without fail Id wake up feeling like someone had kicked me in the chest and set my throat on fire. Acid reflux is horrible and often mistaken for a heart attack because its just that painful.
Tums were my lifeline to sanity. Back then, I didnt have access to Extra Strength or Ultra Strength so Id often chew 2 or 3 tablets at a time. The antacid had the additional benefits of helping with nausea, a sour stomach, indigestion, and even gas.
Whats nice is that Tums comes in various flavors including Assorted Fruit and Berry Fusion. Youre not stuck with plain old peppermint. The Ultra Strength version has 1000 mg of calcium carbonate for maximum relief in the shortest amount of time without having to double up on tablets. Plus, its both gluten-free and Kosher and you can purchase Tums with health savings accounts.
If youre curious, Extra Strength Tums has 750 mg of calcium carbonate. And if you want to avoid artificial colors, try the Naturals Ultra Strength with 1000 mg of calcium carbonate. Lastly, Tums also make something called Chewy Bites but those contained dairy and we didnt give them a try.
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How Long Do Tums Last For
This allows you up to three hours of relief. When ingested on an empty stomach, an antacid leaves your stomach too quickly and can only neutralize acid for 30 to 60 minutes. Its important to consult your doctor or pharmacist before you take an antacid if youre on other medications to prevent interactions.
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How Should I Use This Medication
Take this medication by mouth. Chew it completely before swallowing. 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. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.
Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be used in children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What Should I Watch For While Using This Medication
Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not treat yourself for stomach problems with this medication for more than 2 weeks. See your care team if you have black tarry stools, rectal bleeding, or if you feel unusually tired. Do not change to another antacid product without advice.
If you are taking other medications, leave an interval of at least 2 hours before or after taking this medication.
To help reduce constipation, drink several glasses of water a day.
What Is Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
People use the terms heartburn and acid reflux to mean the same thing. But they have different definitions:
- Acid reflux refers to the LES not tightening as it should. This allows the stomach acid to travel from your stomach up to your esophagus.
- Heartburn, the feeling of pain or burning in your chest, is a symptom of acid reflux.
Women may have acid reflux during pregnancy and experience heartburn due to changing hormone levels and the baby growing.
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What May Interact With This Medication
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- Ammonium chloride
This medication may also interact with the following:
- Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, tetracycline
- Thyroid medication
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What Is Pregnancy Heartburn
Stomach upset is a common symptom during pregnancy, as is acid reflux. In addition, pregnant women are more susceptible to GERD because of hormonal changes that occur at different stages of pregnancy.
These hormones plus increased pressure in the abdomen can prevent the valve at the top of the stomach from closing correctly. This, in turn, allows the stomachs contents, including stomach acid, to spill out into the esophagus and cause frequent heartburn.
Pregnancy heartburn is at its worst during the advanced stages of pregnancy because of the increasing pressure that builds in the uterus, which affects the entire abdomen.
However, if you take iron supplementation for anemia during pregnancy, know that iron can contribute to stomach upset and heartburn. If so, you may have to balance taking the iron with the heartburn, e.g., skipping alternate days to take it, for example.
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Tips To Ease The Heartburn Of Pregnancy
- Date:
- American College of Gastroenterology
- Summary:
- Physician experts have compiled important health tips on managing heartburn symptoms during pregnancy, and importantly, identifying which heartburn medications are safe for use in pregnant women and those, which should be avoided. Heartburn symptoms are one of the most commonly reported complaints among pregnant women. Heartburn usually starts during the first trimester and tends to worsen during the second and third trimesters.
Heartburn symptoms are one of the most commonly reported complaints among pregnant women. Heartburn usually starts during the first trimester and tends to worsen during the second and third trimesters.
Studies have shown elevated levels of the hormone progesterone accompanied by increased intra-abdominal pressures from the enlarging uterus, may lower esophageal sphincter pressure in pregnant women contributing to heartburn symptoms, according to research highlighted in the newly updated Pregnancy in Gastrointestinal Disorders monograph by the American College of Gastroenterology .
From the monograph, physician experts from ACG have compiled important health tips on managing heartburn symptoms, and importantly, identifying which heartburn medications are safe for use in pregnant women and those, which should be avoided.
Strategies to Ease Heartburn Symptoms during Pregnancy
Antacids
Proton Pump Inhibitors
A Word About Fda Pregnancy Categories
Using the letters A to D and X, the Food and Drug Administration used to assign pregnancy categories to drugs according to how safe they were to take while pregnant. These categories are no longer in use officially, but people often still refer to them for guidance.
When the lettering system was still in use, simethicone was considered category C. Category C stated that effects in human pregnancy were unknown, although some fetal damage had been observed in animal studies.
The American Family Physician Journal also classified simethicone as considered safe during pregnancy in 2014 and assigned it pregnancy category C.
Although Gas-X is considered safe during pregnancy, you may decide against it on your own or after talking to your OB. If thats the case, you may want to try some alternatives to avoid gas pain. These include:
- drinking more water and then drinking even more than that
- avoiding certain foods known to cause gas, such as beans, apples, certain dried fruits , excessive dairy, and onions
- avoiding swallowing excess air while eating or drinking by not talking while eating and not using a straw to consume liquid
- getting enough fiber
- not chewing gum
If youre already experiencing painful gas, ginger or peppermint tea might help soothe your digestive system. While other OTC options are considered pregnancy-safe, such as Maalox or Mylanta, its worth noting that they contain the same type of drug as Gas-X.
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Key Points To Remember
- GERD symptoms may not get better on their own. Its important to treat GERD, because it can lead to more serious problems, such as inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus.
- Most people can control symptoms of GERD with over-the-counter medicines and lifestyle changes.
- Stronger prescription medicines often work when over-the-counter medicines dont.
- You may decide to have surgery if:
- Medicine doesnt completely relieve your symptoms.
- Medicine works to stop your symptoms but for other reasons you cant or dont want to take the medicine.
- You have other symptoms, including asthma or hoarseness, that do not get much better with medicines.
Mylanta Antacid And Gas Relief
Not only does Mylanta relieve heartburn, but it also takes care of gas and bloating. The active ingredients include calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide to neutralize acid and simethicone to get rid of gas.
Its a liquid that comes with a dosage cup on the lid. In some ways, its much nicer than chewing tablets because it doesnt get stuck in the teeth.
Moreover, it comes in various flavors including vanilla caramel, honey chamomile, and chocolate mint.
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Rolaids Extra Strength Antacid
My dad used to swear by Rolaids. Each mint-flavored chewable tablet has 1000 mg of calcium carbonate and 200 mg of magnesium hydroxide.
You can take anywhere from 2 to 4 tablets to put out the fire, but dont take more than 10 tablets in 24 hours. Also, dont take the maximum dose for longer than 2 weeks because health problems may result.
Theyre affordable, fast-acting, and they freshen up the breath a bit. On the downside, they contain artificial colors and flavors including sucralose and sucrose.
Do Antacids Cause Side Effects
The extra calcium from calcium carbonate antacids can cause gas, bloating, or constipation in some people. Antacids can also affect how well you absorb other medications, like iron supplements. Ask your pharmacist to check for interactions and space calcium carbonate antacids 1 to 2 hours apart from other medications when needed.
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How To Prevent Heartburn During Pregnancy
Altering your diet or adjusting your lifestyle should be the first thing you try when looking to manage your pregnancy heartburn. If you pay attention, you will probably notice certain foods are more likely to trigger heartburn. Here are some steps you can take:
- Avoid food and beverages that cause you gastrointestinal distress For example caffeine chocolate acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, mustard, and vinegar processed meats mint products and spicy, highly seasoned, fried, or fatty foods.
- Do not eat big meals. Instead, eat several small meals throughout the day. Take your time eating and chew thoroughly.
- Avoid drinking large quantities of fluids during meals you dont want to distend your stomach.
- Try chewing gum after eating Chewing gum stimulates your salivary glands, and saliva can help neutralize the acid.
- Do not eat close to bedtime Give yourself two to three hours to digest your food before you lie down.
Keep in mind the majority of pregnant women experience heartburn during pregnancy, take TUMS for relief and go on to have a normal and healthy pregnancy. Another product similar to TUMS, called Tame the Flame, is provided by Healthy Mama.
Want to Know More?
- Nightfoods Nighttime Ice Cream: the official ice cream of American Pregnancy Association and deliciously pregnancy friendly
Compiled using information from the following sources:
1. Mayo Clinic. .Mayo Clinic Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy. United States of America: Harper Collins.
If You Take Too Many Antacids Here’s What Could Happen
Over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums and Mylanta, can be absolute lifesavers. Their fast-acting ability to deal with heartburn and other digestive problems mean that they can be found in medicine cabinets everywhere. However, while antacids are more or less safe, they can have side effects, just like any other drug.
The most serious of these arent an issue unless you use antacids frequently, or in large doses. This is because theyre really only intended for occasional, short-term treatment of minor digestive issues. Below are seven of those side effects that youll definitely want to know about:
Increased Risk of Infection
Research is learning a lot about how our gut biome the complex system of helpful bacteria that live in our digestive system is important to our immune system and overall health. When antacids alter the level of stomach acids, they also alter this biome. This leaves us more susceptible to dangerous infections such as pneumonia, salmonella, and Clostridium difficile.
Problems with Medications
Since antacids alter stomach acid levels, they can also have an impact on the way that your body absorbs any other medications you take. Therefore, if youre taking any medications for long-term or short-term reasons, you should ask your doctor about which antacids are safe for you to use, or whether you should avoid them altogether.
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