Antacids Health Article

Side effects

Side effects are very rare when antacids are taken as directed. They are more likely when the medicine is taken in large doses or over a long time. Minor side effects include a chalky taste, mild constipation or diarrhea, thirst, stomach cramps, and whitish or speckled stools. These symptoms do not need medical attention unless they do not go away or they interfere with normal activities.

Other uncommon side effects may occur. Anyone who has unusual symptoms after taking antacids should get in touch with his or her health care provider.

Interactions

Antacids have multiple drug interactions, usually due to inhibition of absorption of other medications. In rare cases, the absorbable antacids may alter the pH of the stomach contents or urine sufficiently to alter drug absoprtion or excretion. Consult specific references.

Samuel Uretsky, PharmD

KEY TERMS

Acid indigestion—Indigestion that results from too much acid in the stomach.

Chronic—A word used to describe a long-lasting condition. Chronic conditions often develop gradually and involve slow changes.

Heartburn—A burning sensation, usually in the center of the chest, near the breastbone.

Indigestion—A feeling of discomfort or illness that results from the inability to properly digest food.

Inflamed bowel—Irritation of the intestinal tract.

Inflammation—Pain, redness, swelling, and heat that usually develop in response to injury or illness.

Pregnancy safety categories—A system for reporting the known safety issues of drugs for use during pregnancy, The ratings range from A, proven safe by well controlled studies, to X, proven harmful.