What happens if you take antacids for too long?

Linstedt: Antacids are generally safe, and side effects are rare if you take them appropriately. But overuse or misuse can sometimes cause unwanted and even serious side effects. In rare cases, you could experience constipation, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

How long is too long to take antacids?

If you experience heartburn or chest pain and find yourself popping antacids more than two or three times a week, it is time to see your doctor. While antacids may relieve your symptoms, they won't fix the root of the problem if you have an underlying health condition.

What are the side effects of long-term use of antacids?

Long-term use of calcium-containing antacids such as Rolaids and Tums can lead to high blood calcium levels, especially if you also take calcium supplementation. Though rare, chronic use of these calcium-containing antacids can lead to kidney stones and kidney failure.

Can you take antacid long-term?

Recent studies show that overuse of PPIs can be harmful to your health and should not be used long-term. Side effects of proton pump inhibitors include infections, bone fractures and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Research has even connecting extended PPI drug use to increased risk of stomach cancer.

How long can you safely take antacids?

According to a recent study, people who took OTC antacids for more than three years (and weren't under a doctor's supervision) had a risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma that was six times higher than the risk for people who had never taken antacids. Weakened bone density.

Too many antacids can lead to health problems

Is it OK to have antacids every day?

They can quickly relieve your symptoms for a few hours. But they do not treat the underlying cause and long-term use is not recommended. Speak to a GP if you find you need to take antacids regularly.

What is the safest long-term antacid?

Results of numerous clinical trials indicate that oral pantoprazole is safe and well tolerated for short-term treatment of GERD and for longer term maintenance therapy in patients with healed erosive esophagitis.

Can your body become dependent on antacids?

No, antacids aren't addictive. If you're taking antacids regularly to treat your symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider. Antacids aren't a cure for any underlying conditions that cause your symptoms.

What can I use as a natural antacid?

Baking soda is inexpensive and totally natural. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of water. The baking soda will help neutralize acid.

Can you just stop taking antacids?

Stopping PPI treatment can cause rebound acid hypersecretion, leading to the transient appearance of symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn or regurgitation.

What are the dangers of antacids?

What can I take long-term for acid reflux?

Prescription-strength treatments for GERD include: Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors. These include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex) and dexlansoprazole (Dexilant).

What acid reducer can you take daily?

The recommended adult dose of ranitidine ranges from 150 mg daily to 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily depending on the condition being treated. Ranitidine may be taken with or without food.

Why can't you take Pepcid long-term?

Increased risk of bone fracture: Increased gastrin production as a result of taking PPIs can inhibit calcium absorption, making bones more fragile. Heart Attack: It's recently been discovered that the risk of heart attack in adults is increased by as much as 20% with the long term use of PPIs.

What is better than antacids?

Proton pump inhibitors — when H2 blockers don't help. If your acid reflux symptoms aren't improving after trying antacids and H2 blockers, your healthcare provider may recommend a PPI. PPIs work inside the cells of the stomach lining. They block an enzyme — H+/K+ ATPase — that produces stomach acid.

How do I reduce stomach acid without antacids?

Which fruit is best antacid?

Melons – Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux. Oatmeal – Filling, hearty and healthy, this comforting breakfast standard also works for lunch.

What can I take instead of Tums?

Try Baking Soda or Apple Cider Vinegar

Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in eight fluid ounces of water and sip slowly for temporary relief (note, though, that this is not a long-term solution or suitable if you are pregnant).

Can antacids affect brain?

All participants were free of dementia at the study's beginning. Yet, after the eight-year follow-up, chronic PPI users had a 44% increased risk of dementia compared with those who did not take any medication. Men were at a slightly higher risk than women. Occasional users of PPIs had a much lower risk.

How long does it take for GERD to turn into Barrett's esophagus?

Barrett's esophagus developed after 20 wk, while esophageal adenocarcinoma appeared after 40 wk[72].

Which antacid is best for daily use?

Can you live long with GERD?

Chandra said that once a diagnosis of GERD has been established, it may become a lifelong condition that will need management. She added that it's best to identify certain causes of your symptoms and learn to avoid or control circumstances to alleviate or even prevent symptoms.

Is it OK to take Pepcid every day?

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval because this may delay healing of the ulcer.

What medications should not be taken with antacids?

Antacids are taken with drugs such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Semprex D, Clarinex-D 12hr, Clarinex-D 24hr, Deconsal, Entex PSE, Claritin D, and more), and levodopa (Dopar), increase absorption of the drugs and can cause toxicity/adverse events due to increased blood levels of the drugs.

Does water help acid reflux?

Water. In general, drinking water can help balance the pH of a particularly acidic meal, which may help to lower the risk of acid reflux. Studies show that drinking mineral water with a high hydrogen carbonate content can help to alleviate the frequency and severity of acid reflux.