Antacids.

How The Drug Works

Antacids neutralize stomach acid and increase the pH of the stomach. This action also inhibits activity of pepsin, a digestive enzyme that can be irritating to the stomach lining. They also increase the tone of the muscular valve between the stomach and the esophagus, which helps prevent stomach acids from getting into the esophagus and causing heartburn.

Uses

To treat upset stomach due to excessive acid production (including heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach).

To treat excess acid secretion associated with peptic ulcer (ulcers in the stomach or intestine).

Aluminum Carbonate: To treat or control hyperphosphatemia.

Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide: To treat calcium or magnesium deficiencies, respectively.

Magnesium Hydroxide: To relieve occasional constipation (irregularity).

Other Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe aluminum hydroxide, aluminum carbonate, and calcium carbonate to reduce phosphorus levels in certain kidney conditions. Aluminum hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide with magnesium hydroxide may be used to prevent stress ulcer bleeding (stress ulcers occur with serious illnesses such as life threatening infections or blood loss).

Sodium Content: Some antacids have a high sodium content. Select a low-sodium antacid product if you have high blood pressure, heart conditions, kidney disease, fluid retention, or are on a low-sodium diet. Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Sodium Bicarbonate: Sodium bicarbonate products can alter normal blood chemistry if used for long periods of time or in excessive doses.

Phenylketonuria: Some of these products contain phenylalanine. Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible risks to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if antacids appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Tartrazine: Some of these products may contain the dye tartrazine which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with antacids, Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with antacids:

Allopurinol (eg, Zyloprim)

Levothyroxine (eg, Synthroid))

Aluminum Products Only

Penicillamine (eg, Cuprimine.)

Chloroquine (eg, Aralen)

Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate

Isoniazid (eg, Nydrazid)

Hydantoins (eg, Phenytoin)

Side Effects

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many antacid users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Aluminum-Containing Antacids: Constipation; high aluminum blood levels; low phosphorus levels.

Calcium-Containing Antacids: Appetite loss; nausea; vomiting; dry mouth; increased urination; constipation; stomach pain; thirst; confusion; high blood calcium levels.

Magnesium-Containing Antacids: Diarrhea; high magnesium blood levels; muscle weakness; slow reflexes.

Guidelines For Use

Consult individual product labeling for dosage. Antacids contain a variety of different ingredients. Do not exceed the maximum recommended dosage.

Chewable tablets - Chew thoroughly before swallowing. May be followed with a glass of water.

Suspensions - Shake well before using.

Product choice - Liquid products work faster and have greater activity than other forms. Tablets and capsules may be more acceptable and convenient, particularly when you are away from home or when the liquid would be inconvenient to carry.

Antacids reduce acidity for about 30 to 60 minutes when taken on an empty stomach. Acidity is reduced for about 2 to 3 hours when antacids are taken 1 hour after meals.

Antacids can interfere with the absorption of some drugs. Do not take medication within 2 hours of taking the antacid.

Notify your doctor if "coffee-ground" vomiting or black, tarry stools occur.

Taking too much of these products can cause the stomach to secrete excess stomach acid. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the appropriate dose.,

Long-term use do not take for longer than 2 weeks for the relief of indigestion, unless advised to do so by your doctor. If discomfort continues, consult your doctor.

Store at room temperature (59 0 to 86°F) in a dry place. Refrigeration of liquid antacids may improve the flavor. Avoid freezing. If the taste of one antacid product is not satisfactory, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about switching to another product.