Antacids reduce acidity in the stomach and treat digestive upset by raising the pH level of the stomach from a highly acidic 2 to between 3 and 4. This will neutralize up to 99 percent of the stomach's acid, which will allow people to gain relief.
Typically taken by mouth to relieve heartburn (acid indigestion), antacids help you to digest food by absorbing such nutrients as iron and B vitamins. They contain ingredients like aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate, either alone or in different combinations. Antacids are not meant to be taken regularly. If taken for longer than two weeks they could cause a serious stomach orintestinal problem, such as peptic ulcer disease.
What to Look for
The three main types of antacids are aluminum and magnesium, calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. The aluminum salts slowly dissolve in the stomach and exert a long-lasting effect, whereas magnesium salts work quickly to neutralize acids. Calcium carbonate is a chalk that neutralizes acids for long periods. Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, neutralizes the acid fast. Antacids can be taken by oral suspension in tablet, gel, lozenge and liquid form. They start working within a minute and can provide relief for 10 to 90 minutes.
Antacids, such as aluminum carbonate, can be used to treat patients who have too much phosphate in their blood (hyperphosphatemia). Aluminum carbonate can also be used to prevent kidney stones. Antacids may help patients fight off the bacteria that cause gingivitis (gum disease). Antacids containing simethicone will reduce the effect of excess gas, whereas larger amounts of magnesium hydroxide and magnesium oxide are sometimes used as laxatives.
Common Pitfalls
Some of the side effects you may experience after taking antacids include water retention (several antacids contain high levels of sodium), swelling of the hands, feet or lower legs, heart or liver disease and kidney problems. Patients may also experience a chalky taste in their mouths, making them thirstier, as well as stomach problems, such as cramps and constipation.
Antacids that contain aluminum can exacerbate existing conditions for the elderly, especially bone density problems, such as osteoporosis. Elderly people should not take antacids before speaking to their doctor.
Member Comments