What is the safest antacid for long-term use?
Results of numerous clinical trials indicate that oral pantoprazole is safe and well tolerated for short-term treatment of GERD and for longer term maintenance therapy in patients with healed erosive esophagitis.
FDA declares Pepcid, Nexium and others free of NDMA.
- TUMS. ...
- Rolaids. ...
- Alka-Seltzer. Heartburn Relief Cool Mint Gum. ...
- Pepcid AC. Maximum Strength. ...
- Tagamet HB 200. Acid Reducer Heartburn Relief Tablets. ...
- Prilosec OTC. Heartburn Medicine and Acid Reducer Tablets. ...
- Nexium 24HR. Clear Minis Delayed Release Heartburn Relief Capsules. ...
- Prevacid. 24HR Lansoprazole Delayed-Release Capsules.
Long-term use of calcium-containing antacids such as Rolaids and Tums can lead to high blood calcium levels, especially if you also take calcium supplementation. Though rare, chronic use of these calcium-containing antacids can lead to kidney stones and kidney failure.
Some people with acid reflux get into the habit of taking over-the-counter antacids daily to prevent symptoms, but this can be harmful in the long run. Long-term use of antacids leads to an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, gastrointestinal infections and pneumonia.
Baking soda is inexpensive and totally natural. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of water. The baking soda will help neutralize acid.
- Digestive enzymes. ...
- Probiotics. ...
- Chamomile tea. ...
- Ginger. ...
- Rest and relaxation.
Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval because this may delay healing of the ulcer.
Nonprescription (over-the-counter) omeprazole is used to treat frequent heartburn (heartburn that occurs at least 2 or more days a week) in adults. Omeprazole is in a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
For several years, there have been concerns that these medications might affect calcium absorption and increase the risk of osteoporosis when used for a prolonged period of time. It's now felt that while this might be a concern for some patients, it will not affect everyone.
Is long-term use of Tums harmful?
Tums rarely have serious side effects. But they're possible. These include kidney problems, like kidney stones, and heart problems. If you have certain health conditions, like kidney disease or heart failure, you may be at a higher risk for side effects of Tums.
We recommend Pepto Bismol, because it's a great liquid option and can be used to treat diarrhea. Prilosec's Acid Reducer is a good proton pump inhibitor for people with chronic symptoms, because it's formulated with omeprazole to reduce stomach acid.
Proton pump inhibitors — when H2 blockers don't help. If your acid reflux symptoms aren't improving after trying antacids and H2 blockers, your healthcare provider may recommend a PPI. PPIs work inside the cells of the stomach lining. They block an enzyme — H+/K+ ATPase — that produces stomach acid.
Compared with other antacids like Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) and Maalox (aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide), Tums has a slightly slower onset of action, but its effects may last longer. Pepto-Bismol is more effective for other uses such as treating diarrhea and H. pylori infections.
Taking omeprazole for more than a year may increase your chances of certain side effects, including: bone fractures. gut infections. vitamin B12 deficiency – symptoms include feeling very tired, a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers and pins and needles.
If you experience heartburn or chest pain and find yourself popping antacids more than two or three times a week, it is time to see your doctor. While antacids may relieve your symptoms, they won't fix the root of the problem if you have an underlying health condition.
Many antacids — including Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids and Tums — contain calcium. If you take too much or take them for longer than directed, you could get an overdose of calcium. Too much calcium can cause: nausea.
You shouldn't take the maximum dose of any formulation of this medication every day for more than 2 weeks. Contact your provider if your symptoms don't improve after 2 weeks. Talk to your provider before taking Mylanta Maximum Strength if you have kidney problems.
Long-term use of some heartburn medications appears to be associated with an increated risk of dementia, heart attack, and chronic kidney disease.
Melons – Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux. Oatmeal – Filling, hearty and healthy, this comforting breakfast standard also works for lunch.
What fruit is good for acid reflux?
Noncitric fruits such as melons, apples, pears, and bananas are less likely to trigger reflux symptoms. Bananas are especially good for neutralizing stomach acids because they are high in potassium and low in pH (acidity).
Is yogurt a good choice? Yogurt that is not too sour is also excellent for acid reflux, because of the probiotics that help normalize bowel function. Yogurt also provides protein, and soothes stomach discomfort, often providing a cooling sensation.
Try Baking Soda or Apple Cider Vinegar
Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in eight fluid ounces of water and sip slowly for temporary relief (note, though, that this is not a long-term solution or suitable if you are pregnant).
Elevating your head and chest higher than your feet as you sleep can help prevent and ease acid reflux and heartburn. You can do this using a foam wedge placed under the mattress or by raising bedposts using wood blocks. Beware of piling pillows, as this usually isn't effective and may even make your symptoms worse.
- Drink diluted baking soda. Also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda, baking can help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. ...
- Drink diluted lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. ...
- Drink a glass of milk. ...
- Chew some gum. ...
- Enjoy ginger root in soups, smoothies or tea. ...
- Take Iberogast®
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially mental/mood changes (such as confusion), seizure, or unusual tiredness.
Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours. If you find that you need to use PEPCID® for more than 14 days, stop use and consult a doctor.
If your condition does not improve, or if it become worse, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms: confusion, delirium, hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, seizures, or unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness.
- Alka-Seltzer.
- Gelusil.
- Maalox.
- Mylanta.
- Pepto-Bismol.
- Rolaids.
- Tums.
- Quit smoking. If you are a smoker looking for another incentive to stop, this is it. ...
- Avoid carbonated beverages. ...
- Avoid eating right before bed. ...
- Reduce coffee intake. ...
- Limit chocolate. ...
- Avoid raw onion. ...
- Quit alcohol. ...
- Reduce stress.
What is the best medicine for acid reflux at night?
- antacids, like Tums and Maalox, neutralize stomach acid.
- H2 receptor blockers, such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB) or famotidine (Pepcid AC), can reduce stomach acid production.
- proton pump inhibitors, like omeprazole (Prilosec), block and reduce stomach acid production.
Thus, famotidine is a safe and potent H2-receptor blocker of acid secretion.
Famotidine is a histamine type 2 receptor antagonist (H2 blocker) which is commonly used for treatment of acid-peptic disease and heartburn. Famotidine has been linked to rare instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.
Tums, as mentioned, also contains calcium which is absorbed into the body. Although calcium is vital for the bones and overall good health, too much calcium is dangerous and can lead to heart and kidney problems.
TUMS Naturals: Do not take more than 5 tablets in 24 hours.
Do not take the maximum dose of the medication for more than 2 weeks unless directed by your doctor. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
Medications | Percentage of Pharmacists' Votes |
---|---|
#1 Prilosec OTC Most Pharmacist Votes | 37% |
#2 Pepcid | 32% |
#3 Nexium 24HR | 14% |
#4 Prevacid 24HR | 8% |
- sarcoidosis.
- increased activity of the parathyroid gland.
- high amount of calcium in the blood.
- dehydration.
- constipation.
- kidney stones.
- decreased kidney function.
- tumor that dissolves bone.
Alginic acid– Prepared from kelp (seaweed), alginate acts as a physical acid barrier for the esophagus in gastroesophageal reflux. It is not an antacid.
Also know as (PPIs), Long Term Antacid Effects are common “go-to” remedies for the 50+ million Americans who suffer from chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as heartburn, acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Which antacid is least likely to cause any side effect?
Antacids that contain both magnesium and aluminum — like Maalox and Mylanta — are less likely to cause diarrhea or constipation than products containing just magnesium or aluminum, since the effects of these two ingredients tend to balance each other out.
- Apple cider vinegar. "Apple cider vinegar works for some, but makes it worse for others," reports Rouzer. ...
- Probiotics. ...
- Chewing gum. ...
- Aloe vera juice. ...
- Bananas. ...
- Peppermint. ...
- Baking soda.
- Digestive enzymes. ...
- Probiotics. ...
- Chamomile tea. ...
- Ginger. ...
- Rest and relaxation.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Baking soda can quickly neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas after eating. For this remedy, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to 4 ounces of warm water and drink. Sodium bicarbonate is generally safe and nontoxic.
As an antacid, baking soda can help temporarily neutralize stomach acid and provide relief. For adults and teenagers, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon in a 4-ounce glass of water.
Antacids are taken with drugs such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Semprex D, Clarinex-D 12hr, Clarinex-D 24hr, Deconsal, Entex PSE, Claritin D, and more), and levodopa (Dopar), increase absorption of the drugs and can cause toxicity/adverse events due to increased blood levels of the drugs.
Antacids are an effective way to treat heartburn and indigestion. But they're not meant for long-term daily use.