Can You Eat Too Many Antacids? And What Happens If You Do?
While antacids can bring immediate relief, they can have negative health effects if taken in excess.
Juanmonino/Getty Images
According to the National Library of Medicine, more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn every month. A go-to remedy? Antacids. But if you are guilty of popping antacids like candy, find out what the experts have to say about it.
What Are Antacids?
There are several classes of over-the-counter and prescription options to help with symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux indigestion and upset stomach. Antacids are products that neutralize stomach acid. Most common varieties come in chewable forms and are made from calcium carbonate – which actually adds to your intake of calcium, but can also block the absorption of other vital nutrients. Popular brands, such as Tums and Rolaids, can offer immediate relief of some symptoms.
Another way to beat stomach woes is with an H2 blocker medications like Pepcid (a.k.a. famotide). These medicines work by reducing the amount of acid secreted by glands in the stomach – this method of action can take 30 to 90 minutes to take effect but will then last for several hours.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like Prilosec (a.k.a. omeprazole) work in similar fashion to H2 blockers. They tend to be more effective but can take longer to start working. Check with your doctor to determine what type of medication would be best for your specific symptoms.
What Happens If You Take Too Many Antacids?
It could be very easy to take in excessive amounts of these seemingly harmless medications. We asked experts in the field of gastroenterology from the Celiac Disease center at the Columbia University Medical Center to share their advice.
Diagnosing gastrointestinal (GI) woes can be tricky. When it comes to stomach issues, there are several causes and treatments. As registered dietitian Jessica Lebovits points out, more is not better. “Too much of anything can cause problems. Overtreating one symptom may result in the development of other symptoms. It is important to find the right balance between medications and diet and lifestyle changes to control reflux symptoms.” Dr. Benjamin Lebwohl, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columbia University, warns of the possible side effects of taking too much of these popular drugs. “There are a few reasons to be cautious about the use of these medications. The first is that certain types of acid blockers can cause side effects when taken in large doses. Calcium or Tums can cause constipation. Proton pump inhibitors can sometimes cause diarrhea when taken at a high dose.”
There are also risks associated with taking these medications for extended periods of time. “There are potential long-term effects of taking proton pump inhibitors for years, particularly on bone health since suppressing acid can decrease our ability to absorb calcium,” says Lebwohl. “Suppressing acid in the long term could also affect the absorption of iron, Vitamin B12 and magnesium, so these deficiencies are sometimes seen.” But this doesn’t mean that these medicines need to be avoided as Lebwohl adds, “Some people need to take acid suppression medication in the long term, and in the great majority it is well tolerated without side effects.”
Lebovits suggests working with a specialist to determine the best course of treatment. “Specialized gastroenterologists and dietitians individualize your care so that you are on the most appropriate regimen for you. If you do require these medications, we find ways to minimize any gastrointestinal side effects and optimize your intake of any nutrients of concern.”
Related Content:
