With Which Drugs Do Antacids Interact
- When antacids are taken with acidic drugs , they cause the absorption of the acidic drugs to be decreased, which causes low blood concentrations of the drugs, which ultimately results in reduced effects of the drugs.
- Antacids are taken with drugs such as pseudoephedrine , and levodopa , increase absorption of the drugs and can cause toxicity/adverse events due to increased blood levels of the drugs.
- Antacids that contain magnesium trisilicate and magnesium hydroxide when taken with some other medications will bind to the drugs, and reduce their absorption and effects.
- Sodium bicarbonate has a strong effect on the acidity of the urine, and this can affect the elimination of some drugs by the kidney. Thus, sodium bicarbonate inhibits the excretion of basic drugs such as quinidine and amphetamines, and increases the excretion of acidic drugs such as aspirin.
Low Acidity Causes Nutrient Malabsorption
Since an alkaline stomach doesn’t digest food properly, the body doesn’t absorb all of the nutrients in that food. What this means is that your body doesn’t get the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to function properly. Electrolytes are one of many essential minerals for the proper functioning of the body. Without good electrolyte levels, you may experience heart arrhythmias, dehydration, and other symptoms.
Low acidity also decreases your ability to breakdown and absorb proteins which would normally turn into amino acids. These amino acids are converted into neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. This leaves your brain prone to mood disorders including depression and anxiety.
Remedies And Treatments For Upset Stomach And Diarrhea
Upset Stomach Remedies
Most stomach ailments can be treated at home. As soon as you start feeling sick, begin limiting your diet to clear liquids in frequent, small amounts. Make sure to drink enough fluids to keep your urine clear or a pale yellow.
If youâre not able to keep liquids down and begin to vomit, start with sips of water or sucking on ice chips. Once you are able to keep that down, try other fluids like:
- Clear soup broth or bouillon
- Clear soft-drinks like 7-Up, Sprite, or Ginger Ale
- Juices like apple, grape, cherry, or cranberry
Once you are able to keep all liquids down, try some solid foods along with the liquids. Good foods to try are:
It may take several days to one week to regain your appetite, energy level, and for your bowels to regain normalcy.
Diarrhea TreatmentsMost cases of diarrhea clear on their own within a couple of days without treatment. If youve tried lifestyle changes and home remedies for an upset stomach and diarrhea without success, your doctor might recommend the following:
Antibiotics might help treat diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites. If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics wont help. Alternatively, if your doctor determines that antibiotics are whatâs causing your diarrhea, they will likely lower the dose or switch to another medication.
Treatment to Replace Fluids
Upset Stomach and Diarrhea Prevention
Also Check: What Causes Bloating And Gas After Eating
Can Tums Cause Diarrhea Or Loose Stools If Taken Once A Day For Last Two Weeks
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
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Can Tums Help With Diarrhea
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
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Can I Give My Dog Tums For Vomiting
Yes. Tums are safe as long as you stick to the recommended doses listed above. They also metabolize through their system very quickly, so they may not be the best choice. There are many other choices in antacids that reduce both stomach acid and gas.
Vomiting may not have anything to do with the aforementioned things and you should try to make sure that your dog has not eaten something he should not have.
May things are toxic to dogs while other things will cause them to vomit but are harmless. Grass, for example, will induce vomiting and many dogs will eat it in the yard.
What Can I Give My Dog For Gas
Gas is a common issue for many dogs and often a joke of owners but it reaches a point where you want relief as much as your dog does. For gas, it is best to go with a long term fix, which is to add to his diet.
Yogurt is one of the best natural products to use for gas. Some plain, sugar-free yogurt, like Greek yogurt, will be best for your canine. It wont upset him and it can help replace the organisms that he needs in his intestines. Hell love it too.
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Is Tums Good For An Upset Stomach Can Kids Have Pepto
The nurse I spoke with at my pediatricians office noted that Tums is really best used, in general, as an antacid for heartburn and indigestion. It can also be used for stomachs that are sour or a little upset
Turns out, though, that there are lots of other options on the market that do come in kids varieties, especially if theres nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea involved.
- Kids Pepto Bismol
- Hylands 4 Kids Tummy Ache Tablets
- Immodium for Kids
What Are The Main Differences Between Pepto
Pepto-Bismol is the brand name for bismuth subsalicylate. Bismuth has antimicrobial effects against certain diarrhea-causing bacteria while subsalicylate has antisecretory effects against fluid and electrolyte loss. Bismuth subsalicylate also has anti-inflammatory actions on the stomach and intestinal lining. For these reasons, Pepto-Bismol can be used as an antacid or antidiarrheal agent.
Pepto-Bismol is notably found as an oral liquid. However, it also comes in regular tablets and chewable tablets. Its important to note that, while most forms of Pepto-Bismol contain bismuth subsalicylate, Childrens Pepto-Bismol often contains calcium carbonate.
Tums is a brand name for calcium carbonate. Its considered a potent antacid that directly neutralizes stomach acid. Calcium carbonate reacts with stomach acid to form calcium chloride, carbon dioxide, and water. Because of excess carbon dioxide production in the stomach, belching and gas are common side effects of Tums.
Unlike Pepto-Bismol, Tums is mainly found as a chewable tablet in regular-strength and extra-strength forms. Tums is typically used by those older than 12 years old, but childrens versions of Tums are also available. Some versions of Childrens Tums contains simethicone to help relieve gas.
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When To Seek Medical Help
You should never ignore diarrhea. If you have tried the above-listed home remedies and still have loose stools, call your doctor or your pharmacist. They might recommend over-the-counter medicine that can help.
On the other hand, you should see a doctor right away if you or your child have persistent or severe diarrhea or show signs of dehydration, such as:
Who May Not Be Able To Take Antacids
Antacids are safe for most people to take, but they’re not suitable for everyone.
Speak to a pharmacist or a GP for advice first if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding most antacids are considered safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding, but always get advice first
- are looking for a medicine for a child under 12 years of age some antacids are not recommended for children
- have liver disease, kidney disease or heart failure some antacids may not be safe if you have one of these problems
- have an illness that means you need to control how much salt is in your diet, such as high blood pressure or cirrhosis some antacids contain high levels of sodium, which could make you unwell
- are taking other medicines antacids can interfere with other medicines and may need be avoided or taken at a different time
Page last reviewed: 13 November 2019 Next review due: 13 November 2022
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Common Side Effects Of Pepto
Pepto-Bismol can often cause a darkened color of the stool or tongue. This is because bismuth subsalicylate can react with small amounts of sulfur to create bismuth sulfide, a black substance. While darkened stool may be confused with bloody stool , this side effect is temporary and harmless. Some people also report mild constipation after taking Pepto-Bismol.
Side effects of Tums include belching and gas . Tums may also cause constipation and dry mouth.
Rare but serious effects of Pepto-Bismol may include tinnitus or a constant ringing in the ear that could indicate hearing problems. Other serious side effects of Tums include symptoms of high calcium levels , such as weakness, bone pain, and fatigue.
| * |
*not reported
This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.
What Safer Alternatives Can I Give My Dog Instead
If your dog suffers from extreme diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain, you should obviously contact your veterinarian right away and not even bother with Tums or antacids.
However, for mild stomach issues, vets often suggest fasting until your dogs digestive system runs its course. They may also suggest reintroducing food in smaller portions or switching to a more easily digestible diet.
When vets do suggest using medication to treat mild digestion problems, they usually prescribe medications other than Tums. They may advise using Pepto or Imodium, instead. Again, do not give your dog any medications, even over-the-counter drugs, without asking your vet.
Certain foods can help firm your dogs stools and improve digestion. Pureed pumpkin helps a good deal, and its one of the top safe choices of dog parents to cure mild tummy troubles.
If your dog experiences frequent digestion issues, you may need to adjust their diet, or it may be a symptom of a bigger medical issue. Talk to your vet about symptoms that concern you.
What do you give your dog for digestion troubles? Have you ever given your dog Tums? Let us know in the comments below!
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Low Acidity Can Weaken Immunity
Think of your stomach acid as a filter. When you consume harmful microbes, normal acidity helps filter many of them out. However, when you use calcium carbonate, your acidity is lowered which ruins your natural built-in bad microbe filter. This leaves you at a higher risk for stomach bugs and other illnesses.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Whats causing my indigestion?
- What are some foods I should avoid to help with my indigestion?
- How much time do I need to leave been my final meal of the day and bedtime?
- Does sleeping on an elevated pillow help indigestion?
- What medicines will help my indigestion? Do they have side effects?
- Are there any medicines I should avoid that may make my indigestion worse?
- What should I do when nothing seems to help my indigestion?
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Can Indigestion Be Prevented Or Avoided
There are ways to prevent indigestion. To start, you need to know your body and how it reacts to different food and drinks. Spicy and acidic foods and carbonated drinks can trigger indigestion. Try to avoid those things when possible. Eat smaller meals throughout the day, and dont eat too late at night. Dont lie down too soon after eating. Limit the use of alcohol. If you use tobacco, try to quit. Stress and lack of sleep also can worsen symptoms.
Otc Medications Safe For Treating Gi And Stomach Problems In Dogs
Pepto-Bismol is safe to offer most dogs, but AKCs Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein says he rarely recommends it because the salicylates in the medication could cause gastric bleeding, and the bismuth in the medication can turn the stool black, which may mask any resulting gastric bleeding. If it must be given, offer no more than one or two doses after consulting with your veterinarian, he says. Your veterinarian may instead recommend the bismuth subsalicylate product formulated for dogs, called Corrective Suspension. Dogs with bleeding disorders and dogs who are pregnant or nursing should not take any form of bismuth subsalicylate, nor should dogs taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as Rimadyl and Deramaxx. Cats should never be given bismuth subsalicylate, as it is toxic to them.
- Pepto-Bismol Dosage For Dogs: The recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds, according to Dr. Klein. It can be offered to the dog every 6-to-8 hours, but if your dog still has diarrhea after a few doses, stop the medication and call your veterinarian. Also, if youve never given Pepto-Bismol to your dog before, check with your veterinarian to confirm the dosage.
- How to administer Pepto-Bismol to Dogs: Use an empty plastic syringe to give your dog the medication. Open his mouth, place the empty syringe toward the back of the tongue and push the plunger, then hold his muzzle for a second to ensure he swallows it.
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Morning Sickness And Pregnancy
If you wake up nauseous from morning sickness or during pregnancy in general, youre not alone. In fact, three out of every four pregnant women will experience morning sickness. Your chances go up if you have a history of migraine pain or if your stomach has been upset during previous pregnancies. If you are pregnant with twins, your odds of morning sickness increase even more.
Morning sickness pregnancy symptoms include nausea and vomiting, which may be triggered by certain smells, exposure to heat or by eating spicy foods.
One way to avoid morning sickness while pregnant is to frequently eat small meals. This allows your system time to digest food, but leaves relatively little food in your stomach at any given time. Always remember to drink plenty of fluids. Getting a breath of fresh air may be a helpful remedy as well. Some say eating watermelon and drinking lemonade can be effective home remedies for pregnant womenand if that suits your cravings, go for it!
Patient Education Is Critical To Good Health Care
Your health care specialist may recommend that you attend a local class about your chronic conditions. You should make an effort to take such classes, as they are taught by professionals who understand your disease and conditions very well.
You can read about medications and diseases on the Internet, but be wary of making important decisions by yourself. While you should learn what you can about the medications doctors prescribe, remember that statistics blur all the facts together. The statistics may be accurate but they tell a very simplified, confusing story.
Ask questions. Take notes. Ask for whatever literature your healthcare provider can give you. Read it and save it for future reference.
When you pick up your medicines at the pharmacy, even OTC medicines, ask a pharmacist what common side effects you should watch out for. Ask what you should do if you experience them.
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Discuss Your Medications And Symptoms With Your Doctor
You should always discuss your symptoms AND medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Ask them if the medicines youre taking can cause the chronic symptoms youre experiencing.
While you may be able to ameliorate the symptoms by taking laxatives or stool thickeners, youll risk becoming dependent upon them.
When To Use Antacids
Antacids are a good treatment for heartburn that occurs once in a while. Take antacids about 1 hour after eating or when you have heartburn. If you are taking them for symptoms at night, do not take them with food.
Antacids cannot treat more serious problems, such as appendicitis, a stomach ulcer, gallstones, or bowel problems. Talk to your provider if you have:
- Pain or symptoms that do not get better with antacids
- Symptoms every day or at night
- Nausea and vomiting
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How Bad Can Chronic Constipation Become
Some patients experience severe, chronic constipation. They constantly feel bloated, struggle to pass stools, and may feel frequent urges for a bowel movement.
You should avoid unconventional treatments for severe constipation. You may need to consult with a health care professional several times before resolving the problem.
Some common OTC remedies such as Milk of Magnesia may alleviate your symptoms within a few hours. In rare cases, constipation may force you to seek emergency medical attention. If you dont resolve the constipation, your symptoms may become life threatening as the body must pass its waste.
When To See A Doctor
- If you experience excess urination, quit using Tums immediately and contact your doctor if it persists.
- Serious allergic reactions to Tums is very rare. However, if you experience rashes, itching and swelling, severe dizziness or any trouble breathing you need to contact a doctor as this could be a sign of allergic reaction to calcium carbonate.
- If any side effects persist or worsen over a period of time, seek medical attention immediately. Some symptoms will simply go away once you stop taking Tums. If symptoms dont improve once you stop taking Tums, it could mean that you are suffering from a more serious condition.
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What Happens To Your Body When You Take Tums
On average, 6 million Americans take Tums or other anti-acids to prevent stomach discomfort caused by heartburn. For people not suffering from an underlying condition, these over-the-counter medications can be quite useful for relieving heartburn that occurs only every once in a while. They work by changing the heartburn-causing acids in the stomach. They are not a cure or treatment for heartburn, however. They mask the symptoms instead of correct them. All antacids work relatively well, especially if taken 1 hour after eating or when heartburn initially sets in. Alternately, if they are being taken for symptoms that occur at night, they should not be consumed with food. They are not successful for treating more serious conditions, such as gallstones, appendicitis, stomach ulcers, or bowel problems.