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Can you drink water after taking liquid antacid?
Drink a full glass of water after taking either the regular or chewable tablets or capsules. Some liquid forms of calcium carbonate must be shaken well before use. Do not take Tums as an antacid for more than two weeks without talking to your doctor first.
Can antacid be taken on an empty stomach?
Always take your antacid with food. This allows you up to three hours of relief. When ingested on an empty stomach, an antacid leaves your stomach too quickly and can only neutralize acid for 30 to 60 minutes.
How long does it take for liquid antacids to work?
Antacids like Rolaids or Tums work instantly, but wear off quickly. Antacids work best if taken 30 to 60 minutes before eating. Histamine blockers take effect in about an hour, but must be taken twice a day for heartburn prevention.
How often can you take liquid antacid?
Take aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide antacids exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not take antacids for more than one to two weeks unless prescribed by your doctor.
Does liquid antacid need to be refrigerated?
The liquid product may be stored in the refrigerator to improve taste. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all drug products away from children and pets.
Does drinking more water make heartburn worse?
The pH of most water is neutral, or 7.0, which can help raise the pH of an acidic meal. Although this is very uncommon, keep in mind that too much water can disrupt the mineral balance in your body, which would increase the likelihood of acid reflux.
Why are antacids taken before meals?
Medicines called antacids are taken to prevent heartburn and acid reflux and indigestion, which usually occur when acid is produced as food enters your stomach. Therefore, these medicines are most effective if taken immediately after, or during, a meal.
Why are antacids bad for you?
Side effects from misuse Many antacids — including Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids and Tums — contain calcium. If you take too much or take them for longer than directed, you could get an overdose of calcium. Too much calcium can cause: nausea.
What happens if you take too much antacid?
Serious side effects can occur with an overdose or overuse of antacids. Side effects include constipation, diarrhea, change in the color of bowel movements, and stomach cramps. Products containing calcium may cause kidney stones and are more likely to cause constipation.
What do you do when you take an antacid pill?
If you are like most people, you pop an antacid pill or dissolve an antacid powder in a glass of water and take it. And in many cases, the problem goes; although the relief may only be short-lived. People take antacids for different stomach problems; indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux and GERD.
Are there any side effects to taking liquid antacids?
Liquid forms work faster, but you may like tablets because they are easy to use. All antacids work equally well, but they can cause different side effects. If you use antacids often and have problems with side effects, talk with your health care provider.
How does the pH of an antacid work?
How Antacids Work. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acid and above 7 is alkaline. When there is excess acid in your stomach, the pH level has probably dropped below the normal level of 2 or 3, and the job of the antacid, which is a base (the opposite of an acid), is to neutralize some of the excess acid.
Which is better for stomach acid tablets or liquid antacids?
Aluminum and magnesium antacids work quickly to lower the acid in the stomach. Liquid antacids usually work faster/better than tablets or capsules. This medication works only on existing acid in the stomach. It does not prevent acid production.