What are the side effects of long term use of antacids?
• Diarrhea from some antacids (Milk of Magnesia) and constipation from others (Amphogel, Alternagel). Aluminum and magnesium salts are used together in Mylanta and Maalox to help balance the side effects of diarrhea and constipation • Constipation can be caused by Calcium carbonate (Tums, Titralac, and Alka-2). These over the counter antacids are also obviously a source of calcium and in rare cases, can lead to too much calcium in the blood, leading to kidney failure • A change in the way the body breaks down, and uses, calcium • An increased risk of kidney stones • A buildup of magnesium in the body can be serious for patients with kidney disease If antacids are needed for more than three weeks, a doctor should be consulted. Can they interact with other drugs I might be taking? They can reduce the absorption of certain drugs (tetracycline, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), propanolol (Inderal), captopril (Capoten), and H2 blockers), so please let your doctor know if you are using antacids (even
