7 Side effects of antacids if consumed in excess

Antacids are known drugs that can treat ulcer symptoms. Not only that, Robert Glatter, MD, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Northwell Health, USA states that antacids can help treat gastroephage reflux (GERD), gastritis, and peptic ulcer disease (PUD). But just like other medicines, side effects of antacids will appear if consumed in excess.

Antacids and ingredients in them

Antacids work by changing the pH of the stomach. It contains alkaline chemicals that neutralize acids. Some antacids also contain anti-bloating compounds that can make these drugs work to eliminate excess gas build-up. Broadly speaking, this drug is used to reduce heartburn and indigestion that makes a person's stomach uncomfortable.

The following are various ingredients in antacids that are useful for dealing with various problems in the stomach, namely:

Aluminum carbonate, It can be used to treat and manage hyperpospatemia (above normal levels of phosphate in the blood) as it binds to phosphate in the intestines and prevents it from being absorbed into the body. Because of its ability to bind to phosphates, aluminum carbonate antacids can also be used in a low phosphate diet to prevent kidney stones from forming, because kidney stones are composed of various compounds including phosphate.
Calcium carbonate It is used when a person is in a calcium deficiency condition such as postmenopausal osteoporosis because some of the calcium is absorbed into the body.
Magnesium oxide, used to treat magnesium deficiency from foods or drugs that cause magnesium depletion.

Antacids that are popular on the market include:

Alka-Seltzer
Maalox
Mylanta
Rolaids
Tums

Various side effects of antacids

Antacids are safe to use in certain doses and for a certain period of time. However, it will still cause negative effects if consumed in excess. Here are seven negative side effects that indicate excessive consumption of antacids, namely:

1. Disorders of muscle tissue

Muscle twitching, weakness, and muscle soreness are the most common side effects of antacids from overuse of them. This is due to the presence of excess calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in the bloodstream. Simply put, any change in electrolyte and mineral levels can negatively impact muscle and nerve function.

So using high doses of antacids or too often can change the balance and cause muscle disorders that make you uncomfortable. The severity of symptoms is usually influenced by the dose of the antacid and the length of time it is used.

2. Hypercalcemia

Antacids contain calcium carbonate. Therefore, if you use too much it can cause the body to excess calcium (hypercalcemia).

This condition can cause kidney failure and calcium deposition in all organs of the body, especially the kidneys. Accumulation of calcium in the kidneys, digestive tract, and lungs especially in the blood vessels can impair organ function due to poor blood flow and even lead to organ failure.

3. Cause infection

Gastric acid actually acts to destroy the bacteria contained in food so that if these substances are neutralized excessively by antacids, gastric bacteria will accumulate and eventually infection.

Bacteria that survive in the stomach can also cause various digestive problems such as gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Not only that, this condition can put you at risk for upper respiratory disease, because bacteria may climb into the respiratory tract

4. Respiratory disorders

Excess use of antacids can also cause your breathing to become slower. This negative effect can occur due to antacids containing calcium carbonate, which can increase the pH in your bloodstream.

When the body's pH increases, you will experience respiratory tract disorders. Furthermore, the oxygen received by the body will decrease due to not being able to breathe normally and this condition can interfere with your activities.

5. Osteoporosis

One of the side effects of overuse of antacids is the increased risk of osteoporosis. Antacids contain aluminum which can remove the amount of calcium and phosphate from the body.

Calcium and phosphate are minerals that play an important role in making bones solid. If the number decreases, it is very likely that you have osteoporosis or other bone health problems.

6.Constipation (Constipation)

Constipation is one of the most common symptoms of overuse of antacids. This condition is usually caused by a type of antacid that contains calcium or aluminum. Usually constipation will continue as long as antacids are consumed. Antacids can also cause diarrhea, especially antacids that contain magnesium.

7. Kidney stones

Antacids make the body remove its calcium reserves through urine. However, this actually makes calcium excreted through urine accumulate in the kidneys. This buildup then makes you get kidney stones.

Therefore, people with kidney disease should also avoid using antacids because they can interfere with kidney function which can increase toxins in the bloodstream.

So, although this drug is safe if used according to the prevailing dosage and recommendation, the side effects of antacids cannot be ignored. Therefore it is important to follow the doctor's advice and recommendations when using this medicine in order to avoid side effects that can occur.