Antacids are drugs that block or reduce stomach acid. They are used to treat heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion, and stomach ulcers. There are many different forms of antacids.
Most antacids contain at least one of these minerals:
The name antacid means against acid. Antacids neutralize the acid or reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. Some antacids contain additional medicines, such as simethicone, which helps get rid of stomach or intestinal gas.
Many people use antacids to relieve a burning pain in the middle of the chest called heartburn. Heartburn refers to the symptoms you feel when acids in your stomach flow backward into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. If you have heartburn often, you may have GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Heartburn may also be a sign of an ulcer. Ulcers are irritated areas that develop in the stomach as a result of infection or increased acid production. Antacids can be used to treat the pain caused by ulcers. They can also keep the ulcer from getting worse.
Other problems, such as heart attacks, can have symptoms that are similar to heartburn. Be sure to discuss any new symptoms with your health care provider.
The most common side effects of antacids are:
Many antacids taste chalky. Drink at least 1 glass of water when you take them.
Give children antacids only when suggested by a health care provider. Be very careful with magnesium-containing medicines if a child has kidney problems or is dehydrated.
Be careful if you take antacids, especially if you have other health problems. For example, if you are on a low-sodium diet, you need to avoid taking antacids that contain high levels of sodium. Antacids interact with many prescription drugs. If you are taking any prescription medicine, do not take an antacid without checking with your health care provider or pharmacist first. Tell your provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File MED4251F.HTM Release 9.0/2006
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