Antacids: What They Are, How They Work, and What to Watch For

When your chest burns or your throat feels sour, antacids, over-the-counter medicines that neutralize stomach acid to relieve heartburn and indigestion. Also known as acid neutralizers, they’re often the first thing people reach for when discomfort hits. But antacids aren’t just harmless sugar pills—they’re active drugs that can interfere with other medications, mask serious conditions, or even cause harm if used too long.

Antacids work by counteracting excess stomach acid. Common types include aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate. Each has its own trade-offs: calcium-based ones like Tums can give quick relief but may cause constipation or kidney stones if overused. Magnesium-based ones can cause diarrhea. Aluminum-based ones might lead to constipation and, in rare cases, affect bone or brain health in people with kidney disease. These aren’t just side effects—they’re drug interactions, how one medication changes the way another works in your body you need to watch for. For example, antacids can stop your body from absorbing antibiotics like tetracycline, thyroid meds, or iron supplements. If you take them daily, you might not realize you’re making your other meds less effective—or worse, causing nutrient deficiencies.

Many people think antacids are safe because they’re sold without a prescription. But the FDA has warned about long-term use, especially with calcium-containing antacids in older adults. Chronic heartburn could be GERD, a hiatal hernia, or even early signs of esophageal damage. Relying on antacids instead of finding the root cause is like putting tape over a leaking pipe. And if you’re already on blood thinners, antidepressants, or diabetes meds, antacids might be quietly messing with your treatment. That’s why medication safety, the practice of using drugs correctly to avoid harm isn’t just about reading labels—it’s about knowing when to stop and ask a doctor.

You’ll find posts here that dig into how antacids fit into bigger health pictures: how they interact with supplements, why some people need to avoid them entirely, and what alternatives actually work better over time. Whether you’re using them once a week or every day, this collection gives you the real talk—not marketing, not myths—just what you need to know to stay safe and informed.