It's best to take antacids with food or soon after eating because this is when you're most likely to get indigestion or heartburn. Antacids can affect how well other medicines work, so do not take other medicines within 2 to 4 hours of taking an antacid. You can drink alcohol while taking antacids, but alcohol can irritate your stomach and make your symptoms worse.
Antacids do not usually have many side effects if they're only taken occasionally and at the recommended dose. Speak to a pharmacist or a GP if side effects do not improve or are troublesome. You may need to switch to another medicine. Antacids are safe for most people to take, but they're not suitable for everyone.
Page last reviewed: 13 November Next review due: 13 November When antacids are used Antacids may help if you have: indigestion heartburn or acid reflux — also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease GORD a stomach ulcer gastritis inflammation of the stomach lining They can quickly relieve your symptoms for a few hours. Speak to a GP if you find you need to take antacids regularly. Common types of antacids Many different types of antacid are available.
However, the relief of symptoms may only be short-lived. Your doctor may prescribe an antacid to have on standby so that you only take it to relieve your symptoms when they occur, rather than every day. A full list of people who should not take antacids is included with the information leaflet that comes in the medicine packet. If you are prescribed or buy an antacid, read this to be sure you are safe to take it. Most people who take an antacid do not have any side-effects.
However, side-effects occur in a small number of users. The most common are diarrhoea, constipation and belching. Magnesium-containing antacids tend to be laxative whereas aluminium-containing antacids tend to be constipating. Antacids containing both magnesium and aluminium may balance out these effects and so minimise any possible side-effects of diarrhoea or constipation.
For a full list of all the side-effects and possible interactions associated with your medicine, consult the leaflet that comes with your medication. If you are taking antacids, you should avoid taking them at the same time as you take other medication. This is because antacids can affect how well other medication is absorbed. If you think you have had a side-effect to one of your medicines you can report this on the Yellow Card Scheme. You can do this online at www. The Yellow Card Scheme is used to make pharmacists, doctors and nurses aware of any new side-effects that medicines or any other healthcare products may have caused.
If you wish to report a side-effect, you will need to provide basic information about:. You should consult your doctor if your symptoms worsen, or if you experience any of the following problems which can indicate a serious gut disorder:.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia in adults: investigation and management ; NICE Clinical Guideline Sept - last updated October Br J Gen Pract. I have also recently developed Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.
Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions. In this series. In this article What are antacids? How do antacid tablets work? Can I buy antacids or do I need a prescription? When is the best time to take antacids? How quickly do antacids work? How long is treatment needed?
Are you among the 15 million Americans who experience heartburn symptoms on a daily basis? Perhaps you count yourself among the 60 million people who endure the burning pain of acid indigestion at least once a month. Although more common among pregnant women and the elderly, anyone can find themselves racing to the medicine chest in search of over-the-counter OTC relief.
Antacids are neutralizing, absorbing agents taken to relieve heartburn or indigestion caused by excess stomach acid. They typically contain salts of magnesium, aluminum, calcium and sodium.
Antacids work by raising the gastric pH and are also used to provide symptomatic relief from peptic ulcers. Sodium bicarbonate antacids, including Alka-Seltzer and Bromo Seltzer, contain baking soda.
Pregnant women, individuals with high blood pressure and those on salt-restricted diets should avoid this type of antacid.
Calcium carbonate antacids such as Tums and aluminum-based antacids like Amphojel may cause constipation. For these reasons, many people prefer combination aluminum-magnesium antacids like Maalox and Mylanta that are less likely to cause constipation or diarrhea. Some of these formulas contain simethicone, an anti-foaming agent that helps reduce bloating by breaking down gas bubbles in your stomach. Always take your antacid with food.
This allows you up to three hours of relief. When ingested on an empty stomach, an antacid leaves your stomach too quickly and can only neutralize acid for 30 to 60 minutes. Individuals with kidney or liver problems should never begin the use of antacids without speaking with their physician in order to avoid drug build-up.
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