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Joco Paulo Penna de Carvalho wrote: > << 6. Tums--Yes. That was the recommendation of the Movement Dis= orders > Clinic at OHSU Dr. John Nutt. A nurse friend remarked that it is in th= e > literature and she had totally forgotten about it, evidently a common = bit of > information that everyone has forgotten. > =20 > Could you kindly explain the meaning of * Tums * ? I did not find= in > the dictionary. Dear Joco, I hope that PDIE will soon have available a list of drugs containing descriptive information--this list is in process now. In the meantime, here is the information found for Tums: --- CALCIUM CARBONATE (Titralac=AE, Tums=AE) is an antacid that neutralizes o= r reduces stomach acids. It relieves symptoms in patients with indigestion and heartburn. Calcium carbonate also can be used to prevent stomach bleeding in hospitalized patients or as a dietary calcium supplement. Generic calcium carbonate tablets are available. What should my doctor, dentist, or pharmacist know before I take calcium carbonate? They need to know if you have any of these conditions: =95appendicitis =95constipation =95dehydration =95hemorrhoids =95high blood calcium levels =95kidney disease =95stomach bleeding or obstruction How should I take this medicine? Take calcium carbonate tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Chew well, or crush the tablets before swallowing; follow with a drink of water. Antacids are usually taken after meals and at bedtime. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Special precautions for use in children: Only give to children on advice from your doctor. What if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What other medicines can interact with calcium carbonate? =95ammonium chloride =95antibiotics =95aspirin and aspirin-like drugs =95bisacodyl =95ketoconazole =95methenamine =95quinidine =95sucralfate Tell your doctor or pharmacist: about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking calcium carbonate? Serious side effects with calcium carbonate are rare and are more likely in patients over 60 years old or patients with severe kidney problems. They include: =95changes in mental status =95drowsiness or dizziness =95loss of appetite =95headache =95nausea, vomiting =95weakness Call your doctor as soon as you can if you get any of these side effects. Minor side effects with calcium carbonate include: =95constipation =95stomach gas, flatulence or belching Let your doctor know about these side effects if they do not go away or if they annoy you. What do I need to watch for while I take calcium carbonate? Check with your doctor if calcium carbonate does not relieve your stomach pains; if you get black tarry stools; notice any rectal bleeding; or feel unusually tired. Do not change to another antacid product without advice. Do not treat yourself for stomach problems with calcium carbonate for more than two weeks without consulting your doctor. A condition known as acid rebound can develop after the initial relief produced by calcium carbonate. Long-term use can make chronic stomach problems worse and is not recommended. If you are taking other medications, leave an interval of at least 2 hours before or after dosing with calcium carbonate. Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible constipation. Where can I keep my medicine? Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30=B0C (59 and 86=B0F). Throw aw= ay any unused medicine after the expiration date. --=20 Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD Editor-in-Chief, "Spotlight on Food--nutrition news for people 60-plus" Tel: 970-493-6532 Fax: 970-493-6538=20 http://www.fortnet.org/~fivstar You may wish to contact: Better Business Bureau of the Mountain States, < [log in to unmask]> for further information.