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Hello, Bob & Joy: TUMS(R), for relief of heartburn, indigestion, sour stomach and the upset stomach associated with these symptoms, is manufactured by SmithKline Beecham. The label on my bottle says: Active Ingredient: EffeCal, a refined form of calcium carbonate, 500 mg per tablet Inactive ingredients: flavor, mineral oil, sodium polyphosphate, starch, sucrose, talc Sodium free -- each tablet contains no more than 2 mg. of sodium and is considered dietetically to be sodium free. As a source of extra calcium: chew 2 or 3 tablets after meals. The 500 mg of calcium carbonate in each tablet provide 200 mg of elemental calcium which is 20% the adult US RDA for calcium. Warnings: do not take more that 16 tabs in a 24 hour period. Antacids may interact with certain perscription drugs. Do not take this product without first checking with your physician. >From Patient Drug Facts, by Facts and Comparisons, pg. 498 Antacids neutralize or reduce stomach acids, They also inhibit activity of pepsin, a digestive enzyme. They improve the ability of the lining to protect the stomach and improve the tone of the muscular valve between the stomach and the esophagus. This helps prevent the stomach from getting into the esophagus and causing heartburn and indigestion. Unlabeled use: occasionally doctors may prescribe calcium carbonate to reduce phosphorus levels in certain kidney conditions. Drug interactions: among many, levodopa (eg Larodopa) is listed Side effects: Digestive track: nausea, vomiting; stomach pain; apetite loss; constipation Other: muscular weakness; lack of energy; slow reflexes;headache; confusion; irritability. I am over my head in this, but I think that inhibiting the activity of pepsin may have something to do with allowing levadopa to pass through more quickly and in a less destroyed format??? Please, one of the many medical members, comment on this! Regards, Margaret Tuchman >Date: Mon, 2 Sep 1996 14:14:29 -0400 >From: Bob & Joy Graham <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Re: Tums- what's in them? >