Calcium Carbonate is a very dangerous chemical to work with if not handled properly. It is flammable and dangerous if your skin has contact with it. That includes internal or external contact such as the eyes, inhalation or ingestion.
Tums has many side effects and is not appropriate for everyone. Some of the side effects include:
Severe allergic reactions (ie: rash, hives, itching, swelling) loss of appetite, muscle weakness, nausea, slow reflexes, vomiting
Alternatives
Some good home remedies to eliminating heartburn are:
Chewing gum Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates the rate of the salivary flow which clears away any acid that builds up in the stomach
Aloe Drinking laxative free aloe vera juice such as Aloe Vera Power is the best form of aloe to use which reduces inflammation from the esophagus to the stomach. It is recommended to drink ½ cup before any meals.
Slippery Elm Usually a couple of tablespoons taken with water are prescribed for this ancient herbal remedy. It creates a protective layer of tissue in the stomach which helps prevent heartburn.
Other remedies also include peppermint, fish oil supplements, baking soda, and liquorice.