What is the brand name for Calcium?
The most common brand name for Calcium is Tums / Caltrate.
PTCE Top 200 · #200
Calcium
Tums / Caltrate
Calcium is the generic name for the brand-name drug Tums. It is a calcium supplement used to treat heartburn, calcium supplement. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Calcium ranks #200 and is one of the most frequently tested vitamins/minerals/supplements medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Calcium |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Tums / Caltrate |
| Drug class | Calcium supplement |
| Class group | Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements |
| Common use | heartburn, calcium supplement |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Over-the-counter (OTC) |
What is Calcium used for?
Dietary supplement for calcium replacement; used to support bone health and as an antacid in some OTC products (product-specific).
What drug class is Calcium?
Calcium is a Calcium supplement in the Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Calcium
- arrow_rightConstipation
- arrow_rightGas
- arrow_rightBloating
- arrow_rightNausea
Major interactions
- arrow_rightTetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics (reduced absorption; separate dosing)
- arrow_rightLevothyroxine (reduced absorption; separate dosing)
- arrow_rightBisphosphonates (reduced absorption; separate dosing)
- arrow_rightIron supplements (mutual absorption interference; separate dosing)
Is Calcium a controlled substance?
No. Calcium is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Calcium (PTCE mnemonic)
TUMS = 'TUM-acid neutralizer' — calcium carbonate is fast antacid + bone supplement. Take with food (carbonate); ↑constipation, ↑kidney stones; SEPARATE 4hr from levothyroxine, tetracyclines, quinolones, bisphosphonates, iron.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Calcium carbonate needs stomach ACID (take with food) while citrate doesn't — and calcium must be separated from levothyroxine, iron, and tetracyclines: the classic spacing question.
Calcium FAQ
What is Calcium used for?
Calcium is used to treat heartburn, calcium supplement. Dietary supplement for calcium replacement; used to support bone health and as an antacid in some OTC products (product-specific).
What drug class is Calcium?
Calcium is a Calcium supplement (Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements group).
Is Calcium a controlled substance?
No. Calcium is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements group
Drill Calcium the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).