Walk into any drug store and you will quickly realize that there are more antacid and acid reducers available than there are choices for headache medicine or brands of bandages. Many antacids come in varieties that sound more like pies than medications. However, picking a product to stop your heartburn is more important than deciding between vanilla-creme and black cherry. Even though these medications are available without a prescription, they still have side effects, contraindications, and may not be suitable for everybody. These products use different chemicals, have different response times, and are not quite as safe as the dessert-like flavors would suggest.

People use antacids for relief from a wide range of symptoms and conditions. Heartburn, stomach upset, dyspepsia (upper stomach pain) are common symptoms that antacids are used to quell. Also, some doctors recommend antacids as a way to help manage certain kinds of ulcers.

In order to pick the best product for your needs, its best to understand how they work and what potential side effects exist.

-Traditional Antacids-

These antacids include familiar brands like Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox. They use various carbonate or hydroxide compounds, like calcium carbonate or aluminum hydroxide.

How Do They Work and What Are Potential Side Effects?
Just like adding baking soda to vinegar in science class, the alkaline antacid neutralizes the strong stomach acid. Like any chemical reaction, there are always new chemical products at the end. Carbonate-type antacids can lead to the release of carbon dioxide, which can cause you to burp or give you gas.

Consuming large doses of magnesium-containing antacids can lead to diarrhea. Magnesium Hydroxide, found in Mylanta, can also reduce absorption of potassium in your intestines. So, people who use these antacids on a regular basis may need to take a potassium supplement.

Aluminum Hydroxide can cause constipation, which is why antacids containing aluminum hydroxide also usually contain a magnesium ingredient to balance things out.

Who Should Take Traditional Antacids?
In general, these antacids are best for people who only have occasional heartburn. They act very quickly and only for a short period of time.

Who Shouldn't Take Traditional Antacids?
People with kidney problems shouldn't take magnesium antacids, especially if they are already taking medication or supplements that contain magnesium. People on salt-restricted diets should

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