Discharge Instructions: Taking Antacids

Your doctor prescribed an antacid for you. Antacids are medications that neutralize stomach acid. They are used to relieve acid indigestion, upset stomach, sour stomach, and heartburn.

Guidelines for Use

• Follow the fact sheet that came with your medication. It tells you when and how to take your medication. Ask for a sheet if you didn’t get one.

• Tell your doctor if you:

  • Have kidney disease

  • Have high blood pressure

  • Are taking any other heart medication

• Don’t take your antacid if you have any signs of appendicitis or inflamed bowel. These signs include cramping, pain, and soreness in your lower abdomen, bloating, and nausea and vomiting.

• Tell your doctor that you are taking antacids before any medical tests are performed. Antacids can interfere with some tests.

• Ask your doctor to change your antacid if it causes constipation or diarrhea.

• Avoid taking antacids when the stomach is uncomfortably full from eating or drinking.

• Keep antacids out of the reach of children.

• Check with your doctor before combining antacids with extra calcium. Too much calcium can cause kidney damage.

• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking antacids if you are on a low-sodium diet.

• Try not to use antacids for too long. Antacids may cause kidney problems or make these problems worse. Antacids with calcium may cause kidney stones.

Possible Side Effects

Tell your doctor if you have any of these side effects. Take the medication until your doctor tells you to stop. Mild side effects include:

• Chalky taste

• Mild constipation

• Mild diarrhea

• Thirst

• Stomach cramps

• Whitish or speckled stools