Can You Consume Tums & Alcohol Together?

Introduction

Tums & Alcohol Together

One of the most popular over-the-counter (OTC) antacid drugs for treating heartburn is Tums. Alcohol use while taking Tums can counteract its positive effects. Its major component, calcium carbonate, works by neutralizing excess stomach acid. Although there are no studies that specifically point out a contraindication (cause to avoid taking) or harmful interaction between calcium carbonate and alcohol, the two should not be taken together because alcohol is a common cause of acid reflux.

Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which connects the esophagus to the stomach, causing heartburn. This leads to acid reflux, which is what produces heartburn symptoms. When heartburn occurs, TUMS should be taken because it is intended to alleviate it. Alcohol consumption and the usage of TUMS to treat heartburn are not recommended. ¹ Introduction | Researched based study from Tums

Mechanism

What are Tums & How do they Function?

• An antacid called Tums is used to treat heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion, and upset stomach symptoms.
• Calcium carbonate is TUMS’ main active component which on contact neutralizes the acid that is causing the heartburn in the esophagus and stomach, providing quicker relief from indigestion. ¹ Mechanism| Researched based study from Tums , ² Mechanism | Researched based study from National Institutes of Health

Alcohol & Tums

Combining Alcohol with Tums

Alcohol doesn’t interact badly with the ingredients in Tums, but it can still exacerbate an acidic stomach and directly open the LES.

One active ingredient, calcium carbonate, makes up the majority of the medicine known as “Tums” which also comprises a number of other inactive substances that include:

• Corn starch
• Adipic acid
• Flavors
• Mineral oil
• Sodium polyphosphate.
• Sucrose, talc. ³Alcohol and Tums | Researched based study from National Institutes of Health

Administration

How to Consume Tums?

• Follow the guidelines on the label or the prescription for safe Tums administration.
• The dose that is advised depends on the product’s potency. Never switch Tums products without first verifying the dosage.
• Almost all Tums products can be chewed. Chew the pills completely before taking them to consume them. You can drink a glass of water to help you digest them.
• In the event that you forget to take a dose, it is OK to wait until the following dose is scheduled. To make up for a missed dose, do not, however, take two Tums at once. ¹ Administration| Researched based study from Tums

Alcohol & Heart Burn

Connection Between Alcohol & Heart Burn

What is heartburn, and how does alcohol affect heartburn?

• A burning sensation in the chest that may last for a short while or for several hours is known as heartburn.
• Even though heartburn happens occasionally, it might be an indication of GERD if it occurs more frequently.
• Alcohol, among other foods and drinks, can exacerbate chronic heartburn in people who habitually consume large amounts of it.
• Alcohol triggers and exacerbates heartburn by opening the LES, a muscular ring that normally closes unless food is flowing through it at the intersection of the esophagus and the stomach. ⁴ Alcohol and Heartburn | Researched based study from Cleveland Clinic , ⁵ Alcohol and Heartburn | Researched based study from Bentham Science

How to stop heartburn from alcohol?

• If alcohol is consumed in moderation with one or two drinks, it is possible to prevent or reduce heartburn in a few people.
• Different people often experience heartburn differently after drinking certain beverages.
• Alcohol-related heartburn can be avoided by figuring out which drinks cause it and avoiding them.
• Drinking alcohol may result in unhealthy eating patterns in a person, which can cause heartburn.
• In order to prevent heartburn due to unhealthy habits, one should stay away from such items while consuming alcohol.
• Staying away from alcohol before going to bed may be beneficial in avoiding heartburn which generally relaxes the LES and causes heartburn symptoms if alcohol is consumed excessively.
• The patient may benefit from receiving therapy from a doctor if an underlying illness like GERD causes heartburn. Drugs and dietary modifications are two possible treatments that helps to manage GERD. ⁵ Alcohol and Heartburn | Researched based study from Bentham Science , ⁸ Alcohol and Heartburn | Researched based study from National Institutes of Health

Antacids before alcohol consumption

• Due to the increased likelihood of experiencing heartburn or indigestion after eating, it is advised to take antacids with food or shortly after eating.
• If antacids are taken with food, the effects can stay longer as well. It is best to take extra drugs no later than 2 to 4 hours after taking an antacid because doing so could reduce their effectiveness.
• It is possible to drink while taking antacids despite the fact that alcohol might irritate the stomach and worsen the symptoms. ⁶ Alcohol and Heartburn | Researched based study from The National Health Service

Side Effects

Side Effects of Tums

Calcium carbonate, the primary active element in Tums, has a few possible minor side effects, such as –

• Flatulence
• Constipation

Other adverse effects of calcium carbonate may include –

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Headache
• Appetite loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting.

Allergies are yet another potential Tums adverse effect which anyone could experience which may occur as –

• Skin rashes
• Itching/hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. ¹ Side Effects| Researched based study from Tums

Precautions

Safety Precautions for Tums

For both adults and children over the age of 12, Tums are generally safe. If you are pregnant or intend to give the medication to a kid under the age of 12 years, talk to your doctor. Make sure Tums is the proper medication for you before using it, especially if you have any of the following conditions.

• Allergic to certain drugs or drug ingredients
• Currently taking other medications including vitamins and herbal supplements
• Suffering from liver/kidney disease, and/or stomach condition
• If you’re pregnant, or planning for pregnancy, and/or breastfeeding.

Since other medicines may perform less when used with Tums’ calcium carbonate, it is advisable to avoid taking Tums two hours before or after taking another prescription. If your doctor hasn’t instructed you differently, remember to take Tums occasionally. Consult your doctor for follow-up care if your indigestion or heartburn symptoms persist for longer than two weeks. ¹ Precautions | Researched based study from Tums

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Tums & Alcohol

Q. Do tums help with alcohol nausea?

• Heartburn, sour stomach, and acid indigestion are among conditions that Tums relieves.
• These illnesses may produce nausea, but other conditions might also make people feel nauseous.
• Consult your doctor if you’re experiencing nausea to identify the root of the problem and the best way to treat it. ¹ FAQs | Researched based study from Tums

Q. Which is the best antacid to take before drinking alcohol?

• When you feel nauseous after drinking alcohol and your symptoms are typical, using Tums may help your symptoms.
• Notably, using Tums prior to consuming alcohol is ineffective at preventing hangovers.
• Similar to Tums, Pepto Bismol, which is an OTC (over-the-counter) antacid can be taken to manage heartburn which works similar to Tums by neutralizing excessive acid in stomach.  ⁷ FAQs | Researched based study from Cleveland Clinic

Q. Why do people take Tums while drinking?

• Tums and alcohol don’t mix badly; therefore, people take them while drinking.
• So, while it is theoretically acceptable to take Tums before or after consuming alcohol, doing so is not advised because alcohol is a common trigger for acid reflux, which can make a person suffer from its associated symptoms. ¹ FAQs | Researched based study from Tums , ⁶ FAQs | Researched based study from The National Health Service

Q. Do Tums help alcohol bloating?

• Although Tums are not intended to cure bloating, you might want to give their chewy bites with gas relief a try if you have heartburn or gas.
• In order to choose the best course of action if you are bloated and in need of relief for better management, you should speak with your doctor. ¹ FAQs | Researched based study from Tums

Takeaway

Avoid Alcohol if You have Heartburn

• Heartburn is a frequent condition that most people may control with little modifications.
• One of the most well-known over-the-counter (OTC) antacids for treating mild to moderate heartburn is Tums.
• Heartburn can occasionally be brought on by drinking alcohol. Although it is unknown exactly how much or what kind of alcohol may cause acid reflux, it is likely that the more you consume, the more likely you are to get heartburn. 
• Tums treats only the symptoms of heartburn and does not get to the cause of it. If alcohol is the primary cause of acid reflux, you should ideally avoid drinking before or after taking Tums.
• Alcoholic beverages may ease your lower esophageal sphincter and increase the production of stomach acid.  Alcohol should normally be avoided when you have heartburn because of this.
• Alcohol and Tums don’t seem to interact at all. Even though it’s okay to consume alcohol while taking Tums, it’s vital to keep in mind that alcohol can make heartburn worse. ¹ Takeaway | Researched based study from Tums , ⁴ Takeaway | Researched based study from Cleveland Clinic, ⁵ Takeaway | Researched based study from Bentham Science , ⁶ Takeaway | Researched based study from The National Health Service