Antacids might also increase the risk of developing sensitivities to certain foods. 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. Too much calcium can cause:.
Excess calcium can also lead to alkalosis. If you feel like you need to use a lot of an antacid for relief, that might be a sign of another condition. Antacids can interfere with 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 safety alert about this type of antacid in June This alert was issued because of reports of serious bleeding related to aspirin-containing antacids. Antacids can often relieve symptoms of excess stomach acid. However, sometimes these symptoms mean you have a more serious condition.
An upset stomach could actually be gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD or a peptic ulcer. Antacids can only soothe, not cure, some of the symptoms of these conditions. Some heart attack symptoms can also mimic stomach pains. You may be having a heart attack if you have severe chest pain that lasts longer than two minutes with any of the following symptoms:. 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 stomach and esophagus to heal. GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic form of heartburn.
Learn about symptoms and treatment. 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. Acid reducers help to relieve heartburn by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. OTC H2 blockers, such as Zantac and Pepcid, usually start to work within an hour and relieve symptoms for a longer period of time than antacids.
Proton pump inhibitors are not as fast acting as antacids and H2 blockers, but the relief lasts longer. Consult with your gastroenterologist before taking a proton pump inhibitor if:. Frequent and persistent symptoms can indicate a more serious problem such as gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, advises the American College of Gastroenterology:. Studies show that patients with chronic, longstanding, untreated heartburn are at substantially greater risk for esophageal cancer — a rapidly growing and highly fatal cancer in the United States.
Seeing your doctor early helps you get immediate treatment to avoid far more serious problems down the line. Do you or a loved one struggle with frequent bouts of heartburn? We offer compassionate, patient-centered care in multiple Utah locations and work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals. October 27, September 2, August 6, July 30, This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional.
Health Tools. Reviewed: October 19, Medically Reviewed. For occasional heartburn or acid reflux, antacids may help. They work by neutralizing the stomach acid that irritates the stomach and esophagus.
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