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Are Antacids Safe?

October 17, 2008

How often do we pick up an antacid to get relief from stomach disorders generally caused by acidity? But seldom do we think that what we are consuming is safe or not. The latest buzz on the harmful effects of antacids has literally made us aware to this aspect of danger too. But are antacids really harmful or is it all a rumor. Let’s read below to understand.

When the trouble of indigestion, heartburns and acid reflux troubles us, we always go to the trusted antacids. Let’s look at some facts about antacids. When taken on an empty stomach, they only neutralize acid for 30 to 60 minutes. If taken with food, the protective action may be for 2 to 3 hours. However, according to recent studies, an antacid taken once in a while for treatment of acidity is fine; but it should not become a daily affair. One should get oneself checked for the underlying cause of acidity rather than trusting antacids everyday. Moreover, antacids can also interfere with many drugs which you might be taking. Thus, you need to take precaution while taking antacids if you already have some other medication going on. Though antacids are safe, they might lead to some side-effects like constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and even unusual fatigue in some cases. But these usually occur if your antacid reacts with any other medication of yours.

Most pregnant women often ask the question whether antacids are safe for them. Antacids are generally thought to be safe during pregnancy although there are no studies to prove it. Calcium carbonate is probably the safest since the baby and mother both need calcium to develop properly. However, in pregnancy, it is always advised to consult your doctor before taking any medication, even if it is an antacid.


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