Antacids for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Examples
Generic Name Brand Name aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate Gaviscon, Maalox aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone Mylanta calcium carbonate Rolaids, Tums Antacids are available without a prescription in liquid, chewable tablet, chewing gum, and dissolving tablet forms to be taken by mouth. Liquid antacids may relieve symptoms faster than other forms of antacids.
How It Works
Antacids make stomach juices less acidic (neutralize stomach acid).
Antacids with alginic acid (such as Gaviscon) contain a foaming agent that floats on top of the stomach contents. This may help keep stomach juices from coming in contact with your esophagus.
Antacids that contain simethicone (such as Maalox Anti-Gas or Mylanta Gas) may break down gas bubbles in your stomach. This may help reduce burping that might push stomach acid into your esophagus.
Why It Is Used
For people with occasional, mild to moderate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), antacids are often all that is needed to control the symptoms.
Many doctors will recommend long-term use of antacids if they help relieve your GERD symptoms. Do not use antacids for more than 2 weeks unless you have talked with your doctor about taking them on a long-term basis.
Antacids may also be recommended for pregnant women who have symptoms of GERD.
How Well It Works
Antacids do not work the same for everyone. For people with occasional, mild to moderate heartburn, antacids may work very well. For people with severe GERD, antacids alone are unlikely to help.
A single dose of antacid often relieves heartburn for about an hour.
Side Effects
The active ingredients in antacids vary, with the following cautions for each:
- Sodium bicarbonate is not recommended for people who must reduce the sodium (salt) in their diet.
- Calcium carbonate can stimulate acid rebound in some people. Acid rebound occurs when taking antacids causes the stomach to produce even more acid, making heartburn worse. However, this is very rare. It may also cause constipation in some people.
- Magnesium-containing antacids can cause diarrhea. If used too often by people who have kidney problems, antacids containing magnesium can lead to too much magnesium in the blood.
- Aluminum-containing antacids can cause constipation. If used too often by people with chronic kidney failure, antacids containing aluminum can lead to too much aluminum in the blood.
Many antacid preparations combine active ingredients to balance side effects. For example, antacids may contain both magnesium and aluminum to prevent diarrhea or constipation.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Antacids are a simple and inexpensive treatment for heartburn. They are often useful for treating mild GERD or occasional heartburn. Most doctors recommend taking antacids as part of home treatment.
Antacids are taken in varying doses depending on their strength. They take effect within an hour, but their effect usually lasts only a short time compared with other medications for GERD.
Antacids are probably safe to use throughout pregnancy. But discuss this with your doctor if you wish to use antacids during pregnancy.
Antacids that contain calcium carbonate (such as Rolaids or Tums) may also help boost calcium intake in women who are concerned about developing osteoporosis.
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| Author: | Merrill Hayden | Last Updated: April 18, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Examples | |
| How It Works | |
| Why It Is Used | |
| How Well It Works | |
| Side Effects | |
| What To Think About | |