Key takeaways
Antacids provide relief from excess stomach acid by neutralizing it, whereas H2 receptor blockers and PPIs reduce acid secretion.
Individuals with heart failure or kidney failure need to consult their doctor before using antacids, as they may contain high levels of sodium and electrolytes or lead to aluminum buildup.
While generally safe, antacids can cause side effects like constipation, diarrhea, allergic reactions, or increased food sensitivities, especially if misused.
, which can include regurgitation,
,
, pain when lying down, and
, which is a burning sensation in your chest or throat caused by acid reflux
, which is pain in your upper gut that can feel like gas or bloating
Antacids usually come in the following drug forms:
liquid
chewable gummy or tablet
tablet that you dissolve in water to drink
Popular antacid brands include:
Antacids are typically safe for most people. However, people with certain medical conditions should talk with their doctors before taking certain antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate.
For example, people with
may have sodium restrictions to help decrease
. However, antacids often contain a lot of sodium. These people should ask their doctor before using antacids.
People with
may develop a buildup of aluminum after using antacids. This can lead to aluminum toxicity. People with kidney failure also tend to have problems with
. All antacids contain electrolytes, which could make electrolyte balance problems worse.
Talk to your child’s doctor before giving your child antacids. Children don’t typically develop
symptoms of excess stomach acid
, so their symptoms could be related to another condition.
Side effects from antacids are rare. However, they can occur, even when you use them according to the directions.
Side effects from misuse
Many of the side effects of antacids come from not taking them as directed.
Many antacids — including Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids and Tums — contain calcium. If you take too much or take them for longer than directed, you could get an overdose of calcium.
can cause:
mental status changes
Excess calcium can also lead to
. In this condition, your body doesn’t make enough acid to function properly.
If you feel like you need to use a lot of an antacid for relief, that might be a sign of another condition. If you’ve taken an antacid according to the directions and haven’t gotten relief, talk to your doctor.
Antacids can
the function of other drugs. If you take other medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using antacids.
Some antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, contain aspirin. The Food and Drug Administration issued a
about this type of antacid in June 2016. This alert was issued because of reports of serious bleeding related to aspirin-containing antacids.
If you take another medication that increases your risk of bleeding, such as
an anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug
, you shouldn’t take these antacids.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking aspirin-containing antacids if you:
have a history of
or
are older than 60 years old
drink three or more
per day
Antacids can often relieve symptoms of excess stomach acid. However, sometimes these symptoms mean you have a more serious condition.
Antacids can only soothe, not cure, some of the symptoms of these conditions. If you have severe pain that doesn’t get better after using the recommended dosage of antacids for two weeks, call your doctor.
Some
can also mimic stomach pains. You may be
if you have severe chest pain that lasts longer than two minutes with any of the following symptoms:
pain that radiates to your arms, shoulders, or jaw
neck or
pain
vomiting or nausea
If you think you may be experiencing a heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency services.
If you have acid reflux or other symptoms caused by stomach acidity, get to know your OTC medications.
Antacids neutralize the acid that your stomach makes. This can make you more comfortable. On the other hand, H2 receptor blockers and PPIs can block your stomach from making too much acid. This can allow the damage in your
and
to heal.
Ask your doctor which is better for you.