Antacids

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KEY POINTS

• Antacids are nonprescription medicines that can help treat the symptoms of indigestion.
• Antacids are not recommended for infants or young children. Check with your healthcare provider before giving an antacid to children under 6 years old.
• Make sure you know how and when your child needs to take the medicine. Your child should not take more or less than he or she is supposed to take.
• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause, and what you should do if your child has side effects.

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What are antacids used for?

Antacids are non-prescription medicines that treat indigestion or a burning pain in the middle of the chest called heartburn. Heartburn happens when acids from the stomach flow backward into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your child’s throat to his stomach.

Antacids are not recommended for infants or young children. Check with your healthcare provider before giving an antacid to children under 6 years old.

How do they work?

Antacids lower the amount of acid in your child’s stomach or block the effect of the acid. Some antacid products contain additional medicines, such as simethicone, which helps get rid of bloating and gas.

What else do I need to know about this medicine?

• Try to get all of your child’s prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your child’s medicines are safe to take together.
• Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause, and what you should do if your child has side effects.
• Follow the directions that come with your child’s medicine. Make sure you know how and when your child needs to take the medicine. Your child should not take more or less than he or she is supposed to take.
• Keep a list of your child’s medicines with you. List all of the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that your child takes. Tell all healthcare providers who treat your child about all of the products your child takes.

If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.