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7 Surprising Things That Can Happen If You Take Antacids Too Often

We often think of antacids as being a totally safe medication, but as with most medicines, there’s still the risk of unwanted side effects. So, before popping antacids willy-nilly, you’ll want to check with a physician to make sure you’re not taking more than your body can handle. “It’s important to understand that appropriate use of antacids is unlikely to produce significant side effects in the majority of people," says Glatter. "But long-term use of antacids can lead to effects on the digestive system, along with other organs as well."

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 Study Finds Misuse of Antacids Can Bring Magnesium Poisoning

"Maalox and Mylanta -- people just drink them like water," said Dr. Man C. Fung, lead author of a study of the problem in the August issue of The Archives of Family Medicine. "They don't even think about it."

Articles of Interest

Antacids and Alginates: What’s the Difference?

What are antacids? An antacid medication is used to help relieve the symptoms of mild acid reflux, including heartburn and indigestion. Antacids are available over-the-counter at pharmacies and supermarkets in tablet form or as liquid antacid. Examples of antacids include sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, and magnesium hydroxide. What are alginates? Alginates are another over-the-counter medication used to help relieve symptoms of mild to moderate reflux. Alginates are naturally occurring sugars that are found in brown seaweed. Sodium alginate has special characteristics that make it effective for suppressing reflux.

Antacids and Gaviscon

Alginate-based formulations have been used for the symptomatic treatment of heartburn for decades under various brand names including Gaviscon. Alginate-based formulations usually contain sodium or potassium bicarbonate. In the presence of gastric acid, a foamy raft is created above the gastric contents.

Maalox vs Mylanta: Which Antacid is More Effective?

When it comes to choosing between Maalox and Mylanta for relieving heartburn and indigestion, it's important to consider the differences between the two. Maalox contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, while Mylanta contains aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone. Both products work to neutralize stomach acid and provide relief, but Mylanta also helps to reduce gas.

Over-the-counter antacids for heartburn

The following over-the-counter remedies for heartburn neutralize digestive acids in the stomach and esophagus and work well for people with mild, occa­sional symptoms. While many people find tablets more convenient, liq­uids can provide faster relief.

Resources

Amphogel

Management of hyperphosphatemia secondary to renal osteodystrophy in patients with end stage renal disease:

Maalox

The Maalox line acts quickly against stomach problems.

Mylanta

When you’re looking for fast, powerful relief from heartburn, acid indigestion and gas, choose Mylanta liquid. Mylanta is the liquid antacid/anti-gas that consumers choose...