Guide To Side Effects Linked To Antacids

Antacids are over-the-counter medications that neutralize stomach acid. They are typically used to treat symptoms that develop as a result of excess stomach acid, including heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux. Patients who have stomach ulcers or gastritis may also benefit from the use of antacids. The medications are available in liquid, tablet, and gummy formulations. Aluminum hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate are a few of the most common antacids, and some formulas may contain added ingredients such as simethicone to prevent flatulence. Doctors recommend taking antacids either with food or soon after a meal. Individuals taking other medications should ask a doctor or pharmacist about potential drug interactions. Generally, patients who have taken an antacid will need to wait two to four hours before taking other medicines. Individuals with heart failure or kidney disorders should check with their doctor before using antacids, and a pediatrician should be consulted before antacids are given to a child.

The potential side effects of antacids are discussed below.

Diarrhea Or Constipation

Patients who use antacids could develop diarrhea or constipation. Antacids containing magnesium are most likely to trigger diarrhea, and those containing aluminum or calcium can contribute to constipation. Diarrhea involves loose, watery stools, and patients could also notice more frequent bowel movements. Abdominal cramps or pain might occur, and mucus could be present in the stool. Some individuals might feel an urgent need to have a bowel movement, and nausea has been reported. To treat diarrhea at home, doctors recommend the use of over-the-counter medications such as loperamide to reduce the number of watery bowel movements. It is also beneficial to avoid dairy, high-fiber foods, and fatty foods for a few days. If a patient taking an antacid goes for three or more days without a bowel movement, they are likely constipated. Symptoms of constipation include hard, dry stools that are small in size, and patients might also notice bloating or feel the need to strain during a bowel movement. To treat constipation, patients can try over-the-counter laxatives and increasing dietary fiber. Enemas may be necessary if these measures do not work.

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Swelling In The Extremities

Some types of antacids, including sodium bicarbonate, contain particularly high levels of salt, and this could lead to fluid retention and swelling in the extremities. For example, patients might notice their feet, ankles, lower legs, fingers, or hands are puffy or larger than normal. Some swollen areas could be tender to the touch, and it may be difficult to wear socks and shoes if the feet or ankles are significantly swollen. Patients should monitor any swelling of the extremities, and a physician should be consulted if this symptom persists for more than two or three days. Swelling of this nature could sometimes be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Information about the location of the swelling, when it began, and anything that makes it worse or better can be useful to doctors in assessing this symptom.

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Belching Or Gas

Taking antacids may sometimes result in belching or gas. While these symptoms are not usually serious, they can cause embarrassment to the patient. Belching (burping) is the body's method of expelling excess air, and it occurs most often with antacids containing calcium carbonate. In neutralizing stomach acid, calcium carbonate and other antacids can create a buildup of carbon dioxide that leads to burping. Gas (flatulence) is another common side effect of calcium-based antacids. Patients who are especially concerned about this side effect may want to use calcium citrate instead of calcium carbonate. Choosing an antacid with simethicone is also effective in reducing gas. Temporarily reducing high-fiber foods, reducing dairy consumption, and eating less dietary fat could be beneficial in flatulence reduction as well.

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Nausea

Taking calcium-based antacids for a prolonged period or in higher than recommended doses could cause nausea. Patients experiencing nausea typically describe a feeling of queasiness in the stomach, and this may include an urge to vomit. Since this symptom is associated with an excessive amount of calcium in the body, patients who experience nausea while using antacids should let their doctor know. It might be necessary to adjust their other medications. To reduce nausea at home, patients may want to try eating light meals of soft and bland foods, and getting fresh air could help to ease stomach queasiness. Some individuals have experienced relief with ginger or peppermint, and avoiding strong smells and flavors is recommended. If nausea occurs along with diarrhea or continues for several days, patients should make an appointment with their doctor. Nausea that occurs in conjunction with chest pain or abdominal pain needs urgent investigation, and patients should be taken to an emergency room.

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Headaches

Headaches can develop on one or both sides of the head, and they frequently affect the forehead area. Some headaches cause a dull, throbbing pain, and others are characterized by a sharper, more intense pain. Headaches can be triggered by medication use, and they may be caused or exacerbated by dehydration, stress, and anxiety. Patients who have headaches during antacid use could benefit from resting in a dark, quiet location, and it can also help to practice stress management techniques. Since headaches are not commonly associated with antacid use, patients with this symptom should be evaluated by a doctor. This is especially necessary if the headache lasts more than twenty-four hours or if it does not improve after resting. A healthcare provider should also be informed if the patient's headache disturbs their sleep or daily activities. Headaches accompanied by nausea, vomiting, confusion, or blurry vision warrant immediate medical attention. In some cases, patients may be able to relieve their headaches by making medication adjustments.