In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Are Antacids?Health BenefitsSide EffectsWho Should Take Antacids?Who Should Avoid Antacids?Other Ways to Relieve Acid RefluxFAQs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Are Antacids?
Health Benefits
Side Effects
Who Should Take Antacids?
Who Should Avoid Antacids?
Other Ways to Relieve Acid Reflux
FAQs
Close
Photo:Getty Images
Getty Images
Nearly 1 in every 5 Americans suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also often called acid reflux.Even if you don’t have an acid reflux diagnosis, you likely have taken an antacid like Tums or know somebody who has. While this is a common medication, there are still things you’ll want to consider, especially if you take it regularly. Let’s find out if it is safe to take antacids every day, and some of the side effects—positive or negative—that can happen when taking this medication.
If acid reflux is like a small fire that burns in our stomach, then antacids are akin to firefighters. This means they help neutralize the burning sensation we experience, and soothe acid production in our digestive tract—namely, our stomach. Producing stomach acid is a normal process that helps us break down food into smaller particles that we can digest.
The most common antacids are primarily made with calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide. They often come in pills, chewable tablets and liquids for different needs. Each type has its own qualities and side effects. Remember that if you’re thinking about taking an antacid, it’s important to discuss the different forms with your health care provider to best understand which option will suit your needs.
Potential Health Benefits of Taking Antacids Regularly
Heartburn Relief
If you find yourself regularly relying on over-the-counter antacids, it’s likely time to talk to your physician or health care provider to learn about alternative solutions.
Esophageal and Stomach Lining Protection
If you experience high levels of acid production, antacids may help protect against any damage to your esophageal lining or your stomach. The corrosive effects of prolonged stomach acid either in the esophagus or the lining of the stomach can cause painful ulcers. Over time, this may put you at a greater risk for esophagitis and stomach cancer.
Indigestion Relief
Potential Side Effects of Taking Antacids Regularly
Potential for Acid Rebound
One side effect that is not frequently talked about is the concept of acid rebound, or the increased production of acid after relying on antacids for a long time. This is likely due to our stomach compensating for the amount of acid it had to produce when taking an acid-neutralizing medication.This can lead to worsening symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. Talk with your doctor about how to best change your dose or wean off these medications if that is your goal.
Diarrhea or Constipation
Medication Interactions
It’s important to note that overdosing on antacids can have serious side effects. Because the ingredients contain minerals like calcium, misusing or overusing these medications can cause elevated levels of calcium in the bloodstream and serious side effects like nausea, vomiting, kidney stones and cognitive changes.
Folks who have mild GERD and don’t need a prescription medication to manage it may benefit from over-the-counter antacids. Antacids are made for folks who are experiencing occasional indigestion or heartburn, commonly felt as a burning sensation in your chest or throat. However, some people experience “silent heartburn”—meaning they don’t have strong symptoms of burning or indigestion—and may also benefit from this medication. Other unique situations might include pregnancy, where the pressure of carrying a child in your abdomen can increase the amount of acid reflux you’re experiencing. This is a short-term situation where using an antacid could be helpful. However, pregnant people should always consult with their health care provider before adding a new medication.
Antacids are generally considered safe for most folks when used as directed, but there are a few groups of people who may need to limit or avoid them. People with kidney disease, impaired kidney function, high blood pressure or congestive heart failure may be contraindicated for this medication due to its sodium content and mineral content like magnesium and calcium. Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend one form over another.
Whether you’re not interested in taking medication or you’re looking for more natural solutions, there are lifestyle changes that can help improve your acid reflux. Different strategies work for different people, and you may need to do some trial and error to find out what is going to work best for you. Some potentially helpful strategies include:
The Bottom Line
Remember that antacids can soothe—but can’t treat—gastrointestinal issues like heartburn, gas and bloating. In the short term, they can be a great way to provide relief for the unpleasant symptoms you may be experiencing. However, if you find yourself relying on them regularly for more than a few weeks, consult with your doctor to see if there is a medical cause of your symptoms that you can treat.
Frequently Asked QuestionsProlonged use of antacids can have negative side effects that may lead to health concerns, like diarrhea, constipation, acid rebound and some medication interactions—particularly if you are over-relying on these medications. Plus, relying on these drugs might mean that you’re ignoring underlying symptoms and delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.While everyone’s health situation is unique, antacids are meant for short-term use to provide relief from heartburn and indigestion symptoms. Most of these medications come with a disclaimer that if you use them for longer than two weeks and symptoms have not improved, talk with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prolonged use of antacids can have negative side effects that may lead to health concerns, like diarrhea, constipation, acid rebound and some medication interactions—particularly if you are over-relying on these medications. Plus, relying on these drugs might mean that you’re ignoring underlying symptoms and delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.
While everyone’s health situation is unique, antacids are meant for short-term use to provide relief from heartburn and indigestion symptoms. Most of these medications come with a disclaimer that if you use them for longer than two weeks and symptoms have not improved, talk with your doctor.
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-StatPearls.Tran CL, Han M, Kim B, Park EY, Kim YI, Oh JK.Gastroesophageal reflux disease and risk of cancer: Findings from the Korean National Health Screening Cohort. Cancer Med. 2023 Sep;12(18):19163-19173Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management. J Int Med Res. 2022 Mar;50(3):3000605221086457.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-StatPearls.Tran CL, Han M, Kim B, Park EY, Kim YI, Oh JK.Gastroesophageal reflux disease and risk of cancer: Findings from the Korean National Health Screening Cohort. Cancer Med. 2023 Sep;12(18):19163-19173Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management. J Int Med Res. 2022 Mar;50(3):3000605221086457.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
National Library of Medicine.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-StatPearls.Tran CL, Han M, Kim B, Park EY, Kim YI, Oh JK.Gastroesophageal reflux disease and risk of cancer: Findings from the Korean National Health Screening Cohort. Cancer Med. 2023 Sep;12(18):19163-19173Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management. J Int Med Res. 2022 Mar;50(3):3000605221086457.
National Library of Medicine.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-StatPearls.
Tran CL, Han M, Kim B, Park EY, Kim YI, Oh JK.Gastroesophageal reflux disease and risk of cancer: Findings from the Korean National Health Screening Cohort. Cancer Med. 2023 Sep;12(18):19163-19173
Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management. J Int Med Res. 2022 Mar;50(3):3000605221086457.
