All antacids work equally well, but they can cause different side effects. If you use antacids often and have problems with side effects, talk with your health care provider.
Antacids are a good treatment for heartburn that occurs once in a while. Take antacids about 1 hour after eating or when you have heartburn. If you are taking them for symptoms at night, do not take them with food. Antacids cannot treat more serious problems, such as appendicitis , a stomach ulcer , gallstones , or bowel problems. Talk to your provider if you have:.
You may have side effects from taking these medicines. Antacids are made with 3 basic ingredients. If you have problems, try another brand. Antacids can change the way your body absorbs the other medicines you are taking. It is best to take any other medicine either 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take antacids. Read the leaflet that comes with your particular brand for further information. Generally antacids provide quick relief for problems such as heartburn caused by reflux. 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. GI Disorders. Upper GI Disorders. Lower GI Disorders. Bowel incontinence Chronic constipation Chronic diarrhea Dyssynergic defecation. Other GI Disorders. Abdominal adhesions Acute Hepatic Porphyria Anal fistulas Celiac disease Clostridium difficile Congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency.
Malabsorption Opioid Induced Constipation Radiation therapy injury Scleroderma Short bowel syndrome Superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Vovulus Rare diseases. Motility Disorders. Functional GI Disorders. The Digestive System. Reality Report from Miranda A. Share this page.
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Sign Up for eNewsletter. Connect on social media:. Youtube Twitter Facebook Instagram. They come as a liquid or chewable tablets and can be bought from pharmacies and shops without a prescription. They can quickly relieve your symptoms for a few hours. But they do not treat the underlying cause and long-term use is not recommended. Many different types of antacid are available.
Some are sold under a brand name and others are named after their main ingredient. Brands include Gaviscon alginic acid and Pepto-Bismol bismuth subsalicylate. Some antacids also contain other medicines, such as an alginate which coats your gullet with a protective layer and simeticone which reduces flatulence. Check the instructions on the packet or leaflet to see how much antacid to take and how often.
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