Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M |
| N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y |

Side effects of Antacid drugs

Antacids are usually safe, but can have side effects if taken in very large doses, or over long periods of time.

Magnesium and sodium bicarbonate compounds can have a laxative effect if taken in high doses. This can lead to malnutrition and dehydration if left untreated. Aluminium and calcium salts may cause constipation if taken over long periods of time.

Very rarely there may be other complications including:

  • loss of appetite,
  • muscle weakness,
  • bone damage,
  • urinary problems,
  • mood changes,
  • nausea,
  • and headaches.