Antacids are over-the-counter medications that often contain aluminum, magnesium, calcium or a combination of those substances. Some of the products available are Mylanta, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Alka-Seltzer, Tums and Rolaids. Antacids neutralize gastric acid and are used in treatment of indigestion, peptic ulcers, gastric esophageal reflux disease, and nausea and vomiting. Several side-effects are associated with the use of these drugs.
Side-Effects
Constipation is a common complaint of patients on antacids that contain aluminum, such as Basaljel, and calcium, such as Tums and Rolaids. Diarrhea can occur with the use of antacids that contain magnesium, such as milk of magnesia. Mylanta and Maalox, which contain both magnesium and aluminum, can cause diarrhea, according to “Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach.” They might also cause muscle weakness. Some patients on calcium-containing antacids develop headaches and an unpleasant taste sensation. Products that contain sodium bicarbonate, such as Alka-Seltzer, might also cause headaches. Loss of appetite is a common side-effect of patients taking antacids.
Solution
Patients should eat a diet rich in fiber and exercise regularly to avoid developing constipation. If a patient develops diarrhea, he should eat small meals frequently and avoid foods with a high fat content. Practicing good oral hygiene can help avoid the unpleasant taste seen with calcium-containing products.
Warnings
Patients should seek the advice of a health care professional before using any of these medications. Some side-effects might diminish with continued use of the drugs, such as headache, constipation or diarrhea. If constipation is persistent, the patient should speak with a physician. Excessive weight loss should be reported to a physician as well. The patient should receive medical care immediately if diarrhea persists for more than three days. If any of these effects are accompanied by fever, the patient should seek medical attention because that could be indicative of an infection.
Pregnancy
Studies have not done been done during pregnancy in humans or animals, particularly in products that contain aluminum. These medications are classified as pregnancy category D, meaning not enough studies have been done to indicate safety and should be used when benefits outweigh risks. Magnesium is classified as pregnancy category B, which means harmful effects have not been reported. The use of calcium-containing antacids is safe in pregnancy and breast-feeding, reports the “Drug Information Handbook." Women might retain water during pregnancy and antacids that contain sodium could further increase water retention. The use of medications during pregnancy should be cleared with a health care professional to ensure the safety of the mother and the unborn baby.
Allergy
A patient using antacids can develop allergic reactions, such as redness or itchiness of the skin. A severe reaction might include swelling of the lips or tongue, shortness of breathe and chest pain. An individual that develops an allergic reaction to an antacid must never be administered the medication again.
References
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Antacids
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