Side Effects

Antacids -Antacids contain aluminum, calcium or magnesium generally attached to a hydroxide or carbonate to neutralize the acid. Often preparations will contain two or three of these ingredients, canceling out each others side effects.

• Aluminum products may cause constipation
• Calcium products may cause constipation (but do have the advantage of increasing your calcium supply)
• Magnesium products may cause diarrhea

H2 Receptor Antagonists are well tolerated. More common side effects include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Confusion in the elderly
• Cardiac effects
• Rash

Proton Pump Inhibitors are well tolerated. More common side effects include:

• abdominal or stomach pain
• headache
• belching

Prokinetics have a number of side effects that occur more frequent at high doses, but can occur at regular dosage levels.

• fatigue
• sleepiness
• depression
• anxiety
• restlessness, facial spasms, involuntary movements

Warnings

It is important to read the directions carefully and not to use several types of antacids in the same day, since you can get overdoses of calcium, magnesium and aluminum. Overdoses of these ingredients can cause fluid imbalances in the body which can affect the heart or kidneys. It is also important to be aware of the sodium content in antacids, particularly if you are on a low sodium diet for another medical condition.