Jaime Osnato Jun 11, 2023 Medically Reviewed by Beza Tekola, MD Tums are generally safe, but you shouldn't be taking them every day. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative How Bad Is It Really? sets the record straight on all the habits and behaviors you've heard might be unhealthy. In This Article Effects Contraindications Dosage Alternatives Tums are a popular antacid used to relieve symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. But how long does it take for Tums to work? This guide explores the timeline of taking Tums, factors that affect its effectiveness, and tips to reduce the time it takes for Tums to start working. Tums has the benefit of working almost immediately after taking it, but unfortunately, the effects do not last long. In general, each dose of Tums lasts for 1 to 3 hours and often lasts even shorter periods of time if taken immediately after food. However, as a general rule, if you get a new bottle of Tums, the expiration date will likely be at least two or three years in the future. Do Tums work less when they expire? There is mixed information about whether some medications are effective past their expiration date. However, pills such as acetaminophen, aspirin, antihistamines, or antacids are typically good up to their expiration date regardless of when you open them. "There are a few medications that are capsules that expire 2-3 months from opening, however they are rare," Hartzell said. The short answer is yes, you can still take Tums after the expiration date. However, there are a few things you should know before you do. First of all, it's important to understand that the expiration date on a medication is not a hard and fast rule. .

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