Is there a downside to taking antacids every day?

Acid reflux and indigestion can be uncomfortable, but they’re very common. They may occur together or separately, generally not long after you’ve eaten.

Antacids are medications that are usually available OTC. They’re generally a good option for relief from your uncomfortable symptoms. But they might not be the right option to take every day.

For example, taking antacids every day may mask symptoms that signal a more serious underlying condition requiring evaluation by a doctor. You might also experience side effects from taking antacids every day.

What are antacids?

Heartburn and indigestion are incredibly common, with more than 60 million adults in the United States experiencing heartburn at least once per month. Often, heartburn is just caused by the foods you’ve eaten and isn’t a sign of an underlying condition. In these cases, OTC antacids are likely a good option.

In brief, antacids are medications that help neutralize the stomach acid that flows up your esophagus, which is what causes heartburn. Neutralizing this acid soothes your symptoms. Antacids are available OTC and are also helpful for the symptoms of conditions like:

• indigestion
• gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
• acid reflux
• gastritis
• stomach ulcers

Antacids usually contain a mixture of different compounds, including calcium, magnesium, and aluminum. They might also contain bismuth subsalicylate. They get to work quickly and are generally safe.

Examples of antacids include:

• Tums
• Rolaids
• Pepto-Bismol
• Alka-Seltzer

What are some of the downsides of antacids?

While antacids are a good option for short-term symptom relief, their biggest downside is that they don’t prevent symptoms from coming back, nor do they treat the underlying cause of your symptoms. They’ll provide only temporary relief from your heartburn.

Another concern with antacids is that they might mask an underlying condition that will need more intensive treatment than just OTC antacids. Such underlying conditions might include GERD, peptic ulcers, or gastric ulcers.

This means people are less likely to seek treatment for these conditions, raising the risk of serious complications, including damage to the esophagus.

What are the side effects of taking antacids every day?

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

One potential downside of long-term heavy use is that the medication could put you at an increased risk of osteoporosis. Although rare, antacids that contain aluminum may lower your calcium levels, which could cause your bones to become brittle.

At the same time, antacids with calcium carbonate could have the opposite effect. They could increase your calcium levels, which could lead to the development of kidney stones and kidney failure. Again, this is a rare side effect. But talk with a doctor if you have any concerns.

What other medications can be used for acid reflux?

Antacids are generally recommended for mild GERD symptoms, whereas other drugs are usually given for more severe cases. Some of these are also available OTC, while others may require a doctor’s prescription.

Some common examples include:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs lower the amount of acid produced by your stomach and may help heal the lining of your esophagus if it’s been damaged by the acid. Examples include omeprazole (Prilosec) and pantoprazole (Protonix).
• H2 blockers: H2 blockers also reduce your stomach acid. They may help heal your esophageal lining, although not as well as PPIs. Examples include famotidine (Pepcid) and cimetidine (Tagamet).
• Prokinetics: Doctors might also prescribe prokinetic medications. But this is less common due to a lack of data on their effects and the possibility of side effects.

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Lifestyle management for acid reflux

Alongside medications, doctors often recommend lifestyle measures to manage GERD and acid reflux. These include:

• maintaining a moderate weight
• weight loss if you have overweight or obesity
• avoiding smoking, if you smoke
• reducing alcohol consumption, if you drink
• avoiding meals shortly before going to bed
• elevating your head while you sleep

When to speak with a doctor

The recommendations for different antacids vary depending on their formulation. Calcium carbonate (known under the brand names Tums, Rolaid, or Alka-Seltzer), for example, should only be used for up to 2 weeks. If you feel the need to take it any longer, reach out to a healthcare professional.

Antacids are not designed for daily use. If you’re experiencing heartburn very regularly or for a prolonged period, this suggests it might be caused by a condition like GERD. In this case, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional who can create a treatment plan that works for you.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

OTC antacids are likely a good option to manage occasional heartburn and indigestion. They’re generally very safe and effective, but they should not be used for long-term treatment.

Daily use of antacids might mask an underlying condition that will require stronger medications and a doctor’s diagnosis. It may also raise your risk of side effects.

If you experience heartburn regularly and for a long period, you might have a condition like GERD or a peptic ulcer. If you think this might be the case, make sure to speak with a healthcare professional.

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