Common Side Effects Of Overuse Of Antacids. Despite the surgery, she still suffered pain and was put on anti-inflammatory drugs as well as powerful antacids to protect her stomach from the potentially damaging effects of the drugs. [Article in German] Authors A Leopolder-Ochsendorf, K H Holtermüller. This creates a vicious cycle where overuse of antacids makes your heartburn worse and you take more antacids to get relief. Heartburn happens when acidic contents of the stomach reflux back into the esophagus and inflame its sensitive lining. Jitendra is a microbiologist and a passionate student of the human body. 1985 Aug 2;110(31-32):1216-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1068987. Her throat was burning. Long-term use of antacids can cause side effects in some users. In few cases, it has been found that the side effects of antacids have created even greater problems than the condition the medicine was given to treat. In the beginning, the condition usually has no symptoms (asymptomatic). The burning did not stop. Get this 5-step holistic system now, and regain your natural inner balance! Magnesium hydroxide-containing antacids may cause gastrointestinal side effects like: These side effects are also a result of depletion of vital nutrients like calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D. Occasionally, people who have taken this medicine have experienced digestive symptoms such as mild diarrhea, stomach cramps and belching. In people with kidney failure, these antacids can cause severe problems of hypermagnesia (increased magnesium levels in the blood) due to the reduced ability of kidneys to clear excessive magnesium from the blood. Both antacids and PPIs act as a “band-aid” to alleviate symptoms rather than treat the underlying problem. Among the six classes of antacids, the two with the least troubling side effects are aluminum-magnesium combination antacids and foaming agents based on alginic acid. Gastrointestinal infections The larger kidney stones embedded within the kidneys and the urinary tract may cause injuries. Side effects of antacids. Headaches Dreamstime. Antacids that contain aluminum tend to bind with phosphates which play an important role in your body chemistry. This leads to a burning sensation in the esophagus. You can start with the following dosages in consultation with your physician. It is used as an antacid to relieve the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn.It is also used to prevent osteoporosis, as a calcium supplement, and to treat high phosphate levels in patients with kidney disease. Never keep medicines in the bathroom as it is hot and humid and may affect the potency of the medicines. [Article in German] Leopolder-Ochsendorf A, Holtermüller KH. To counteract side effects and limit the potential toxicity of a single compound, combination antacids are now more widely used. People take antacids for different stomach problems; indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux and GERD. Always use medicines within their expiration dates. If you have problems, try another brand. Some of the side effects include fatigue, weakness in muscles, and osteomalacia or softening of the bones. She found a bottle of the liquid antacid she was desperately looking for. All expired medicines should be disposed of safely to avoid their misuse. Diarrhea (caused by magnesium-containing antacids). Action of Antacids There are far gentler options to treat heartburn symptoms effectively. Acid Reflux is a common health condition and is often brushed aside as a minor irritant. And while occasional use of antacids generally has little adverse effects, long-term use can lead to a number of side effects, some of which are serious. SOME MORE SIDE EFFECTS . An upset stomach is a very common side-effect. 1985 Aug 2;110(31-32):1216-9. Antacids are a class of drugs that work by neutralizing stomach acid or blocking acid production. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. and Privacy Policy. Taking antacids for more than the prescribed duration can cause what is known as “rebound hyperacidity.” Here the body tries to compensate for the constant neutralization of its stomach acid by producing more amounts of acid, thereby making your acid reflux even worse. If you are like most people, you pop an antacid pill or dissolve an antacid powder in a glass of water and take it. Antacids are materials that neutralize stomach acid. Over time, this can cause significant weight loss. Stomach cramps and flatulence are side effects that have been reported among patients who have taken antacids. One of the major side effects of antacid overuse is the increased risk of osteoporosis. This means that the microorganisms whose numbers would ordinarily be decimated by stomach acid can grow to excessive levels. One of the most important roles of stomach acid is the breakdown of food for further digestion by other digestive juices and enzymes. If this goes on for some time, your body will develop deficiency of nutrients such as minerals and vitamins. Side effects. Common side effects are: If you use antacids often and have problems with side effects, talk with your health care provider. Side effects associated with some antacids include: diarrhea, with antacids that contain magnesium constipation, with antacids that contain calcium or aluminum inhibited bone mineralization, … Eating too many Tums may irritate your digestive tract, causing nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort and loss of appetite. For this reason, a significant amount of the food that you eat will not be properly digested. Our discussion today explores the problems that antacids may cause if you make them a common feature of your life. Long-term side effects of antacids vary, depending on what is included in them. Side Effects . Prolonged diarrhea can result in dehydration due to fluid loss. Do you take antacids occasionally or daily? How do you react when you have an upset stomach? Magnesium sulfate-containing antacids may cause side effects such as: This drug depletes nutrients like Calcium, Phosphorous, Zinc, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D. Calcium carbonate-containing antacids may cause side effects such as: Overuse of this antacid may cause severe accumulation of calcium in the blood, called hypercalcemia. This may lead to pain and blood in urine. Those who experience side effects most commonly suffer from changes in bowel functions, such as diarrhea, constipation, or flatulence. Acid is part of the chemicals that the body uses to break down food so that it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Brands with calcium or aluminum may cause constipation. And in many cases, the problem goes; although the relief may only be short-lived. If you are taking a tablet, chew it slowly. The syndrome can lead to other complications including calcification of various organs in the body, which may lead to organ dysfunction or failure. However, it can lead to the following symptoms. However, few product combinations show side effects that invalidate each other. Her acid reflux seemed to have given her another health issue – constipation. Talk to your provider if you have: Pain or symptoms that do not get better with antacids Symptoms every day or at night Associated side effects of overusing antacids are poor digestion, watery stools, risk of formation of rickets etc. Upset stomach or throwing up. When to Use Antacids . The ingredients present in antacid tablets are responsible for the unwanted side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Constipation. Some of the common side effects of overusing antacids are constipation, diarrhea, muscle pain and cramps, kidney stone and osteoporosis. https://www.rxlist.com/antacids/drug-class.htm#side%20effects, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4161162, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150326151640.htm, https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000145.htm, Mediterranean Diet: Live a Long and Healthy Life. Over the counter antacids are meant for relieving symptoms of the occasional acid reflux. While some antacids can cause constipation, others can do the opposite. Other rare side-effects that have been noted depend on the active substance present in the antacid used. You can drink alcohol while taking antacids, but alcohol can irritate your stomach and make your symptoms worse. Side effects from antacids vary depending on individual and other medications they may be taking at the time. He is a firm believer in the power of alternative and holistic medicine. Side Effects. The hard or infrequent bowel movements of constipation may be accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping or bloating. Antacids taken with drugs like pseudoephedrine and levodopa cause increased absorption of these drugs and can cause drug toxicity or adverse effects of drug overdose. Antacids can either cause constipation or have a laxative … The following section is related to the side effects of antacids. Table of Contents. Side effects from antacids are rare. Prolonged use of aluminium-based antacids in large doses can decrease the phosphate levels in the body. Marissa had been taking over the counter antacids since a month now. Side effects of antacids include the following: While some antacids can cause constipation, others can do the opposite. Be it any type of antacid, some common side effects that can occur from taking this medicine are given below: Bothersome Side Effects. Terms & Conditions 1. Diarrhea caused by antacids usually only lasts for the period you remain on the medication and disappears once you get off them.1). Taking antacids can lead to constipation. Aluminum and magnesium antacids work quickly to lower the acid in the stomach. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. People taking antacids may suffer from irregular bowel pattern (constipation) while some complain about frequent bowel movement (diarrhea). Some antacids also contain anti-flatulent activity, meaning that a chemical in the antacid eliminates excess gas formation. Some combination products have side effects that cancel each other out (for example, aluminium causes constipation and magnesium causes diarrhea so products containing a combination of these two ingredients are more likely to have a neutral effect on the bowel). If you find that you need to take antacids regularly, every day for more than 1 or 2 weeks, talk to your doctor. The most common and popular brands of over the counter heartburn medicines are: Alka-Seltzer, Gaviscon, Gelusil, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Alternagel, Amphojel and Milk of Magnesia. The high sodium content of sodium bicarbonate antacids can cause significant swelling of the lower legs, ankles and feet, and can also increase blood pressure. There are some foods,  such as grains, meat, alcohol, etc. Antacids contain alkaline chemicals that will neutralize the acid. Magnesium-based antacids may cause diarrhea. Antacids can cause constipation and diarrhea. However, heartburn is a far more ominous sign with serious complications than just a burning sensation in the throat. Stomach acid – the panacea of good digestion; It decreases the workload on the body’s maintenance too! Since antacids are essentially alkaline in nature, they shouldn’t be taken along with acidic medicines like digoxin, phenytoin and chlorpromazine. The type of antacids available include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and magnesium-aluminum hydroxide combinations. 3. Antacids & Acid suppressants are used to heal conditions like acidity, gastritis, dyspepsia, GERD, & peptic ulcer. There are side effects from taking too many antacids. Taking antacids containing calcium for an extended period can cause the body to excrete high amounts of calcium through urine. Those who experience side effects most commonly suffer from changes in bowel functions, such as diarrhea, constipation, or flatulence. ... Like all antacids, Tums is an alkali that neutralizes stomach acid. Antacids can be taken to help relieve sour stomach. But sometimes they can cause: diarrhoea or constipation; flatulence (wind) stomach cramps She gulped it down praying that the hot bile be washed away. Antacids cause a wide variety of short term and long-term side effects that range from minor to potentially life-threatening. Always store your medicines in a cool, dry place so as not to affect their efficacy. Keep medicines out of reach of children. Acid reflux should be treated at its very roots and antacids are definitely not an answer to it. If you take antacids regularly, and you experience pain in the lower part of your abdomen, or blood in urine, you should stop taking the antacids and consult your doctor. This causes dependence on antacids that may have precarious consequences in the future. While the term “antacid” technically means any drug that blocks stomach acids by any means, we will restrict ourselves in this article to acid neutralizing antacids. Take antacids about 1 hour after eating or when you have heartburn. She searched frantically in the kitchen drawers for something that would relieve her of pain. If you are taking liquid, it is advisable to take it undiluted or with very little water. Antacids can cause constipation and diarrhea. Side Effects of Antacids 16 Dec 2010 Antacid medicines have been in use for a very long time and many people consider them to be harmless medicines taken to neutralize stomach acid. Try them. 3. He believes nature holds the key to restore us back to health and balance. This will expose your digestive system, and the body in general, to potential infections including pneumonia.5). For tonight. Some headaches cause a dull, throbbing pain, and others are characterized by a sharper, more intense pain. Urinary frequency, loss of appetite and irregular heart beat can also occur. However, abdominal problems mean that you may have to use an antacid to relieve the discomfort. This compound depletes nutrients like Calcium, Phosphorous, Zinc, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D from the body. The risk is higher for people who have a family history of the disease.4). How Over-the-Counter Antacids Are Messing, Constipation (caused by aluminum-containing antacids) or. Side effects of antacids include the following: Diarrhea. She was fighting at two fronts now, and she was scared a third front may open up soon. Antacids Side Effects. 1985 Aug 2;110(31-32):1216-9. When you take an antacid, it neutralizes stomach acid or blocks its production. What are the side effects of antacids? Antacids can trigger feeling of vertigo and cause minor to moderate headache. “Antacids that contain mainly aluminum may weaken the bones, as … Antacids cannot treat more serious problems, such as appendicitis, a stomach ulcer, gallstones, or bowel problems. These side effects are also a result of depletion of vital nutrients mentioned above. This has the nasty effect of magnifying the negative impact that toxins have on our a health. Too many Tums can irritate your digestive tract causing pain and discomfort. Some side-effects of antacids, H2 blockers and PPI, which are rare, could include headache, stomach pain, nausea, constipation or diarrhea … If you use antacids often and have problems with side effects, talk with your health care provider. Marissa got up with a start. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. She gulped a couple spoonful of the soothing liquid. professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. These may lead to fatigue, low energy or sleepiness which may interfere with ordinary daily activities. OTC antacids provide relief from symptoms of heartburn by neutralizing the acid in the stomach. And the night after. What are the side effects of antacids? For someone who never had any tummy troubles, Marissa started having trouble with her bowel movements. If you experience heartburn or chest pain and find yourself popping antacids more than two or three times a week, it is time to see your doctor. All antacids work equally well, but they can cause different side effects. If you are affected, try a different antacid if you need it. Eating too many Tums may irritate your digestive tract, causing nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort and loss of appetite. CALCIUM CARBONATE is a calcium salt. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. She flicked on the light and filled a glass of water. Diarrhea occurs when there are three or more episodes of watery, loose, and liquid stools a day. Over time, these calcium deposits form crystalline solids called kidney stones. There are side effects from taking too many antacids. While antacids may relieve your symptoms, they won’t fix the root of the problem if you have an underlying health condition. It should not be used as a substitute for Long-term intake of calcium carbonate antacids can cause your body to get excessive amounts of calcium, a condition called hypercalcemia. Constant use of antacids can lead to weight loss because the resultant reduction of stomach acid interferes with the digestion of food, and therefore, the absorption of some nutrients. Liquid forms of antacids work faster than tablets. To prevent health complications due to nutrient depletion, you must replenish your body with the lost nutrients. Antacids should be taken for heartburn that occurs once in a while. Antacids that contain aluminum tend to bind with phosphates which play an important role in your body chemistry. The kidney stones may also block urine from flowing easily through the ureters to the bladder. Experts advise taking antacids to treat occasional heartburn. And she thought she would throw up. Your medical history: Antacids aren’t safe for everyone to take, says Dr. Ghouri, and there may be side effects. Terms of Use, Osteoporosis due to antacid use is usually associated with aluminum-based antacids. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, with little to no acid these superbugs can proliferate causing stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and intestinal infections. For example, magnesium can cause diarrhoea and aluminium can cause constipation, so a tablet containing these two components, have a more neutral effect on bowel. Like all medicines, antacids can cause side effects, although most people who take antacids do not have any. Antacids may interfere with normal bowel movement. It should be taken 1 hour after a meal or when you experience symptoms. However, they only work temporarily — for 30 to 60 minutes tops. Antacids are available as single compounds or in combinations. [Side effects of antacids] [Side effects of antacids] Dtsch Med Wochenschr. The condition is characterized by weakened bones. Bismuth subsalicylate and calcium carbonate can cause constipation, while proton pump inhibitors carry a risk of bone fractures, vitamin deficiencies, and kidney disease, though this isn’t typical with short-term use. Both antacids and PPIs act as a “band-aid” to alleviate symptoms rather than treat the underlying problem. The material appearing on sepalika.com is for educational use only. Aluminum hydroxide-containing antacids may cause side effects like: These side effects are a result of depletion of vital nutrients like: Magnesium carbonate-containing antacids may cause gastrointestinal side effects like flatulence and diarrhea. Antacid used frequently, in large amount and for a prolonged period of time can lead to several side effects such as: Constipation: Constipation is one of the most frequent side effects of antacids. Some are sold under a brand name and others are named after their main ingredient. What Is Meditation and Why Is It Important? That’s because over-the-counter antacids are really only intended for occasional, short-term treatment of minor digestive issues. Side Effect #1: Diarrhea. It is worth to note that kidney stones form both within the kidneys and the urinary tract. But this is not true. Magnesium-containing antacids tend to be laxative whereas aluminium-containing antacids may be constipating; antacids containing both magnesium and aluminium may reduce these colonic side-effects. However, few product combinations show side effects that invalidate each other. You could also consult a doctor for advice.2). Untreated milk-alkali syndrome may result in kidney failure and death. Antacid used frequently, in large amount and for a prolonged period of time can lead to several side effects such as: Constipation: Constipation is one of the most frequent side effects of antacids. This is because aluminum causes the body to lose significant amounts of calcium and phosphates. But, she dreaded to think of the morning. Side effects of aluminum containing antacids include: Diarrhea and constipation, feeling of discomfort, loss of appetite, mood or mental changes, weakness, calcium loss, osteoporosis, kidney stones, swelling or wrist or ankles, bone pain and pale or clay-colored stools. Antacids are available as single compounds or in combinations. The main types of antacids are calcium-based, magnesium-based, and sodium bicarbonate antacids. Prolonged use of aluminium-based antacids in large doses can decrease the phosphate levels in the body. Headaches can develop on one or both sides of the head, and they frequently affect the forehead area. These two type of antacids namely aluminum and calcium containing antacids cause constipation if they are taken for long period of time. The type of antacids available include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and magnesium-aluminum hydroxide combinations. Stomach pain. The most serious side effects aren’t an issue unless the antacids are used frequently, or in large amounts. To counteract side effects and limit the potential toxicity of a single compound, combination antacids are now more widely used. Associated side effects of overusing antacids are poor digestion, watery stools, risk of formation of rickets etc. The side effects of antacids directly relate to the ingredients they contain. In fact, it is not advisable to take antacids for more than six weeks straight.