Origins

TUMS was created in 1928 by James Harvey “Jim” Howe, a pharmacist from St. Louis, Missouri. According to company history, Howe developed the original formula to relieve his wife’s recurring indigestion. The preparation proved successful and was later commercialized by the Lewis-Howe Company. T TUMS+1

The product officially entered the consumer market in 1930, becoming one of the earliest widely available chewable antacids.

Brand Name

The name “TUMS” was reportedly selected through a promotional contest in 1930, inspired by the phrase “Tums for the Tummy.” W Wikipedia

Ownership History

Over nearly a century, TUMS has changed ownership several times:

• 1930–1978 – Lewis-Howe Company

• 1978 – Acquired by Revlon (Norcliff Thayer division)

• 1986 – Sold to Beecham Group

• 1989 – Became part of SmithKline Beecham after corporate merger

• 2000 – Became part of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

• 2022–Present – Owned by Haleon after Haleon was spun off from GSK as an independent consumer healthcare company. H Haleon Corporate+1

TUMS contains calcium carbonate, a naturally occurring mineral compound that acts as an antacid.

When stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) causes heartburn, calcium carbonate reacts chemically with the acid to neutralize it:

Calcium carbonate + hydrochloric acid → calcium chloride + water + carbon dioxide

This reaction reduces stomach acidity, relieving symptoms such as:

• Heartburn

• Acid indigestion

• Sour stomach

• Acid reflux discomfort

Because the neutralization occurs directly in the stomach, TUMS generally begins working within minutes. T TUMS+1

The principal active ingredient is:

• Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)

Besides treating heartburn, calcium carbonate also serves as a dietary source of calcium, although TUMS is marketed primarily as an antacid rather than a calcium supplement. T TUMS+1

Over the years, TUMS has expanded into several formulations, including:

TUMS Regular Strength

Standard calcium carbonate tablets for occasional heartburn.

TUMS Extra Strength

Higher calcium carbonate content for stronger acid neutralization.

TUMS Ultra Strength

One of the highest-strength versions available for more intense symptoms.

TUMS Smoothies

Chewable tablets with a smoother texture and assorted fruit flavors.

TUMS Chewy Bites

Soft, chewy antacid pieces designed as an alternative to traditional chalky tablets.

Sugar-Free TUMS

Designed for consumers seeking sugar-free options.

Availability varies by country. T TUMS+1

TUMS is indicated for temporary relief of:

• Heartburn

• Acid indigestion

• Sour stomach

• Upset stomach due to excess stomach acid

Some healthcare providers may also recommend calcium carbonate in certain situations as a calcium supplement, though dosing and purpose differ from antacid use. Users should always follow the product label or medical advice. T TUMS+1

The primary manufacturing facility remains in St. Louis, Missouri, where production has continued since the early decades of the brand. Company information notes that billions of tablets are produced there annually. T TUMS+1

TUMS has been a prominent advertiser in the United States for decades.

Notable milestones include:

• First nationwide newspaper advertisements in 1951

• Television commercials beginning in 1961

• The memorable “Tum-Tum-Tum-Tum TUMS!” jingle introduced in the early 1980s, which became one of the brand’s best-known advertising elements. T TUMS

TUMS is one of the best-known OTC antacid brands in North America. The brand emphasizes:

• Fast onset of action

• Calcium carbonate as its active ingredient

• A wide range of strengths and flavors

• Long-standing consumer recognition dating back more than 90 years T TUMS

TUMS is generally intended for occasional heartburn relief. Excessive or prolonged use may increase the risk of:

• Constipation

• Elevated blood calcium levels

• Kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals

• Masking symptoms of more serious gastrointestinal conditions

Individuals with kidney disease, high calcium levels, or those taking certain medications should consult a healthcare professional before regular use. Product labels also advise seeking medical evaluation if heartburn occurs frequently or persists despite treatment. T TUMS+1

• The original formula was developed in a pharmacist’s home basement.

• TUMS has remained on the market continuously since 1930.

• Calcium carbonate has been the primary active ingredient throughout the brand’s history.

• The TUMS manufacturing plant in downtown St. Louis has operated for generations.

• The “Tum-Tum-Tum-Tum TUMS!” advertising jingle is among the most recognizable pharmaceutical jingles in the United States. T TUMS+1

• Antacid

• Calcium carbonate

• Heartburn

• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

• Over-the-counter medicine

TUMS is a long-established American antacid brand introduced in 1930 and now owned by Haleon. Originally created by pharmacist James Howe to treat indigestion, it uses calcium carbonate to rapidly neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn and acid indigestion. Over the decades, TUMS has expanded into multiple formulations while remaining one of the most recognizable over-the-counter digestive health brands in North America.