wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

What happens if we antacids are overdosed?

Open in App
Solution


PROPER DOSAGE

If you're an adult and suffer from heartburn or stomach upset, you may take one to four Tums tablets every hour as necessary; however, do not consume more than 16 Tums tablets in a 24-hour period or you may be at risk of a calcium carbonate overdose. Alternatively, if you choose to use Tums as a calcium supplement, do not take more than 12 Tums over the span of one day to limit your risk of developing overdose symptoms.

UPSET STOMACH

Eating too many Tums may irritate your digestive tract and may cause side effects of nausea and vomiting. Stomach discomfort may also contribute to a temporary loss of appetite. If you experience persistent vomiting or severe nausea, seek additional care from your physician.

CONSTIPATION OR DIARRHEA

Constipation is a potential side effect associated with taking too much calcium carbonate. Difficult or infrequent bowel movements may be accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping or bloating. Alternatively, intestinal irritation caused by too many Tums may lead to diarrhea. If either of these side effects recur or do not subside, contact your doctor. Severe or chronic constipation or diarrhea may result in serious medical complications including stool impaction and dehydration.

MOOD OR MENTAL CHANGES

High levels of calcium carbonate in your body may affect the way the nerves in your brain transmit signals. Consequently, you may experience unusual mood or mental changes, such as confusion, delirium, depression or coma as side effects of a Tums overdose, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns. These side effects require immediate attention from a medical professional.

MUSCLE TWITCHING OR HEART RATE CHANGES

Calcium is a mineral that helps regulate muscle contraction and relaxation when you engage your muscles in physical activity. If you have too much calcium carbonate in your body due to a Tums overdose, your muscles may not know when to contract or relax. Consequently, you may experience unusual, involuntary muscle twitching or heart rate irregularities as side effects of eating too many Tums. Heart rate changes may cause life-threatening medical complications and should be evaluated by your physician immediately.


flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
2
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Autoimmunity
BIOLOGY
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon