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antacids

Antacid

Antacid
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
2 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
not curated
Top interactionssee all 12
  • LedipasvirSevereTextbookG&G 14e · p1238, p1242
  • VelpatasvirSevereTextbookG&G 14e · p1239, p1242

Mechanism

Antacids are a class of agents that rapidly and effectively neutralize gastric acid. Some formulations like magaldrate are converted in gastric acid to magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide, providing sustained effect.

Indications

Acute treatment of acid reflux (heartburn)EsophagitisRelief of mild, infrequent GERD symptoms

Dosing

Adult
Given orally 1 and 3 h after meals and at bedtime. Administered in suspension form for greater neutralizing capacity.

Contraindications

  • Sodium and alkali loads may pose a risk for patients with cardiac or renal failure (sodium bicarbonate)
  • Fixed combinations with aspirin are potentially unsafe in patients predisposed to gastroduodenal ulcers
  • Insufficient for GERD, only for mild, infrequent episodes of acute acid reflux

Side effects

Common
BelchingNauseaAbdominal distentionFlatulence (from bicarbonate- and carbonate-containing antacids)Rebound acid secretion (calcium-containing antacids)Constipation (aluminum hydroxide)Laxative effect (magnesium hydroxide)
Serious
  • Milk-alkali syndrome (alkalosis, hypercalcemia, and renal insufficiency) from large doses of sodium bicarbonate or calcium carbonate with milk
  • Osteoporosis, encephalopathy, and proximal myopathy (from absorbed aluminum in patients with renal insufficiency)
  • Transient hypercalcemia (from absorbed calcium)

Pregnancy & lactation

Lactation

Considered first-line during breastfeeding

Drug interactions

Ledipasvir
Severe
Textbook

Reduced ledipasvir concentrations, potentially leading to treatment failure/relapse.

If antacids must be used, separate administration by 4 hours. Follow specific dosing instructions for H2 blockers (max 40 mg famotidine BID) and PPIs (max 20 mg omeprazole QD, administered simultaneously with LDV/SOF in fasted state).

Source: G&G 14e · p1238, p1242

Velpatasvir
Severe
Textbook

Reduced velpatasvir concentrations, potentially leading to treatment failure.

Antacids should be separated by 4 hours. Velpatasvir requires acidic gastric pH.

Source: G&G 14e · p1239, p1242

Alendronate
Moderate
Textbook

Decreased absorption and efficacy of the bisphosphonate.

Oral bisphosphonates should be administered with a full glass of water following an overnight fast and at least 30 min before breakfast to avoid interaction with divalent cations.

Source: G&G 14e · p1060

Allopurinol
Moderate
Textbook

May affect the dissolution, absorption, bioavailability, and renal elimination of allopurinol.

Take antacids 2 hours before or after ingestion of other drugs.

Source: G&G 14e · p1079

Azoles
Moderate
Textbook

Decreased plasma levels of azoles.

Source: Harrison 22e · p1742

Baloxavir
Moderate
Textbook

Reduced plasma levels and potential loss of efficacy of baloxavir.

Avoid taking baloxavir with antacids.

Source: Harrison 22e · unknown

Cimetidine
Moderate
Textbook

Decreased absorption of cimetidine, reducing its efficacy.

When used concurrently, a gap of 2 hr should be allowed.

Source: KDT 7e · p650

Dasatinib
Moderate
Textbook

Reduced dasatinib bioavailability.

Source: G&G 14e · p1396

Diazepam
Moderate
Textbook

Decreased absorption of diazepam.

Stagger administration of antacids and diazepam by 2 hours.

Source: KDT 7e · p656

Ethambutol
Moderate
Textbook

Decreased absorption of ethambutol.

Stagger administration of antacids and ethambutol by 2 hours.

Source: KDT 7e · p656

Fluoroquinolones
Moderate
Textbook

Decreased absorption of fluoroquinolones.

Stagger administration of antacids and fluoroquinolones by 2 hours.

Source: KDT 7e · p656

H2 Blockers
Moderate
Textbook

Decreased absorption of H2 blockers.

Stagger administration of antacids and H2 blockers by 2 hours.

Source: KDT 7e · p656

Related guidelines

Other Antacid drugs

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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team