From the Guidelines
Antacids can provide quick relief from discomfort caused by acidic foods, but they are not a substitute for lifestyle modifications and should not be used as a long-term solution for managing chronic acid reflux or GERD. When considering the use of antacids for acidic foods, it's essential to understand that they work by neutralizing stomach acid, providing temporary relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach that can occur after consuming acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, coffee, or spicy dishes [ 1 ]. Some key points to consider when using antacids include:
- Common over-the-counter antacids include calcium carbonate products (Tums, Rolaids), aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide combinations (Maalox, Mylanta), and sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer)
- For occasional use, take antacids as directed on the package, typically 1-2 tablets or 1-2 teaspoons of liquid when symptoms occur
- Antacids work through a simple chemical reaction where their basic compounds neutralize the acidic environment in your stomach, raising the pH level However, according to the most recent guidelines [ 1 ], optimization of acid suppression therapy, including the use of antacids, should be personalized and based on the individual patient's needs and response to treatment. It's also important to note that lifestyle modifications, such as avoidance of foods that may precipitate reflux and adoption of behaviors that may reduce esophageal acid exposure, are essential for managing GERD and should be recommended to patients based on their specific history [ 1 ]. If you find yourself needing antacids frequently (more than twice a week), you should consult a healthcare provider as this might indicate an underlying condition requiring different treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
Concomitant antacids should be given as needed for pain relief to patients with active duodenal ulcer; active, benign gastric ulcer; hypersecretory states; GERD; and erosive esophagitis. Antacid should be given as needed for relief of pain Antacids may be used concomitantly with omeprazole delayed-release capsules.
Antacids can help with acidic foods by providing pain relief for conditions such as active duodenal ulcer, active benign gastric ulcer, hypersecretory states, GERD, and erosive esophagitis.
- They can be used concomitantly with other medications like omeprazole delayed-release capsules.
- Administration of antacids may be necessary to provide relief of pain as needed 2, 2, 3.
From the Research
Effect of Antacids on Acidic Foods
- Antacids can help neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief from heartburn and indigestion caused by acidic foods 4.
- A study comparing the effect of the antacid Rennie with low-dose H2-receptor antagonists found that antacids have a faster onset of action, reaching an intragastric pH > 3.0 in just 5.8 minutes, making them suitable for rapid pain relief 4.
- However, the duration of action of antacids is shorter compared to H2-antagonists, which may be more effective for symptom prophylaxis, such as preventing nocturnal dyspepsia 4.
- Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are also effective in treating acid-related diseases, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcer disease, but their mechanism of action and clinical pharmacology differ from antacids 5.
- PPIs have been shown to be effective in maintaining a higher intragastric pH and preventing GERD relapse, but their onset of action may be slower compared to antacids 5.