What’s the Best Chewable Tablet for Heartburn If You Have Constipation?

By Samer Altameemi - Rph (See affiliate disclosure below)

If you’re looking for fast heartburn relief, chewable antacids are one of the easiest OTC options. However, if you also struggle with constipation, the active ingredients in your antacid matter.

Here is a breakdown of the most common chewable tablets, and thier effect on constipation. Keep in mind that the side effect of constipation not just depend on the product, it depends on the number of tablets used, and how frequent you are using them among other factors.

Tums®: Fast Relief, But More Likely to Cause Constipation

Tums® contains calcium carbonate, a fast-acting antacid that neutralizes stomach acid within minutes.

It’s an excellent option for occasional heartburn, but calcium carbonate is the ingredient most commonly associated with constipation, particularly when used frequently or in higher doses.

Rolaids®: A Better Choice If Constipation Is a Concern

Rolaids® combines calcium carbonate with magnesium hydroxide.

The calcium provides fast heartburn relief, while the magnesium helps counter some of calcium’s constipating effects. For this reason, Rolaids® is often a better choice for people who are prone to constipation.

Mylanta® Chewable Tablets/Suspension: Heartburn Relief Plus Gas Relief

Mylanta® contain calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone.

In addition to relieving heartburn, simethicone helps reduce gas and bloating. The magnesium also makes this product less likely to contribute to constipation than calcium-only antacids.

Gaviscon®: Best If Reflux Is Your Main Symptom

If your heartburn is accompanied by acid coming back into your throat or symptoms that worsen after meals or when lying down, Gaviscon® may be the better choice.

Unlike traditional antacids, Gaviscon® not only neutralizes stomach acid but also forms a protective barrier that helps reduce acid reflux. Depending on the formulation, it may also contain magnesium, which may be less constipating than calcium-only products.

A Pharmacist’s Tip

Constipation from antacids is usually associated with regular or frequent use, not the occasional tablet after a spicy meal.

If you’re using a chewable antacid more than twice a week, it’s time to look beyond temporary symptom relief. Longer-acting options such as Pepcid® (famotidine) or Prilosec OTC® (omeprazole) may be more appropriate depending on how often your symptoms occur.

For more pharmacist-reviewed advice on choosing the right OTC treatment, explore our Heartburn selection guide that explains the different options available over the pharmacy counter.

Found OTC  is your place to find smart over-the-counter solutions for common daily conditions, designed by the pharmacist.

Pharmacist Reviewed: the information in this article was clinically reviewed by Samer Altameemi, a licensed pharmacist. It is intended for educational purposes, not to substitute for a doctor's professional medical advice.

Disclosure: some links in the above article are affiliate links where we might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.