Contents:
- Medical Video: 10 Side Effects of TUMS (Calcium Carbonate)
- Antacids and contents in them
- Various antacid side effects
- 1. Disorders of muscle tissue
- 2. Hypercalcemia
- 3. Causes infection
- 4. Respiratory disorders
- 5. Osteoporosis
- 6. Constipation (Constipation)
- 7. Kidney stones
Medical Video: 10 Side Effects of TUMS (Calcium Carbonate)
Antacids are known as drugs that can treat stomach symptoms. Not only that, Robert Glatter, MD, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Northwell Health, USA states that antacids can help treat gastroefagus reflux (GERD), gastritis and peptic ulcer disease (PUD). But just like other drugs, antacid side effects will appear if consumed in excess.
Antacids and contents in them
Antacids work by changing gastric pH. The content in it contains alkali chemicals which will neutralize the acid. Some antacids also contain antifungal compounds which can make this drug function to eliminate the formation of excess gas. Broadly speaking, this drug is used to reduce heartburn and digestive disorders that make one's stomach become uncomfortable.
The following are various ingredients for antacids which are useful for treating various problems in the stomach, namely:
- Aluminum carbonate, can be used to treat and manage hyperpospatemia (blood phosphate levels above normal) because it can bind phosphates in the intestine and prevent them from being absorbed into the body. Because of its ability to bind phosphate, aluminum carbonate antacids can also be used in low phosphate diets to prevent the formation of kidney stones, because kidney stones consist of various compounds including phosphates.
- Calcium carbonate , is used when a person is in a state of calcium deficiency such as postmenopausal osteoporosis because some calcium is absorbed into the body.
- Magnesium Oxide, used to treat magnesium deficiency from food or drugs that cause thinning of magnesium.
Popular antacids on the market include:
- Alka-Seltzer
- Maalox
- Mylanta
- Rolaids
- Tums
Various antacid side effects
Antacids are safe to use in certain doses and time periods. But it will still cause negative effects if consumed in excess. Here are seven negative side effects that indicate excessive antacid consumption, namely:
1. Disorders of muscle tissue
Twitching muscles, feeling weak, and muscle pain are the most common antacid side effects caused by overeating. This is due to the excess of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in the bloodstream. Simply put, any changes in levels of electrolyte and mineral levels can have a negative impact on muscle and nerve function.
So using antacids in high doses or too often can change balance and cause muscle disorders that make you uncomfortable. The severity of the symptoms is usually influenced by the antacid dose and duration of use.
2. Hypercalcemia
Antacids contain calcium carbonate. Therefore, if too much use can cause the body to overload calcium (hypercalcemia).
This condition can cause kidney failure and deposition of calcium in all body organs, especially the kidneys. Calcium accumulation in the kidneys, digestive tract and lungs, especially in blood vessels can damage the function of organs due to poor blood flow and even cause organ failure.
3. Causes infection
Stomach acid actually acts to destroy the bacteria contained in food so that if this substance is excessively neutralized by antacids, gastric bacteria will accumulate and eventually infection.
Bacteria that persist in the stomach can also cause various digestive problems such as gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Not only that, this condition can cause you to be at risk of upper respiratory disease, because the bacteria may rise into the respiratory tract
4. Respiratory disorders
The use of excessive antacids can also cause your breathing to become slower. This negative effect can occur because antacids contain calcium carbonate which can increase pH in your blood flow.
When your body's pH increases, you will experience respiratory problems. Furthermore, the oxygen received by the body will decrease due to not being able to breathe normally and this condition can interfere with your activities.
5. Osteoporosis
One side effect of excessive use of antacids is the increased risk of osteoporosis. Antacids contain aluminum which can eliminate the amount of calcium and phosphate from the body.
Calcium and phosphate are minerals that play an important role in making bones solid. If the amount decreases, it will very likely you have osteoporosis or other bone health disorders.
6. Constipation (Constipation)
Constipation is one of the most common symptoms of excessive antacid use. This condition is usually caused by a type of antacid containing calcium or aluminum. Usually constipation will continue as long as antacids are consumed. Antacids can also cause diarrhea, especially antacids containing magnesium.
7. Kidney stones
Antacids make the body get rid of calcium reserves through urine. But this actually makes calcium released through urine accumulated in the kidneys. This buildup then causes you to get kidney stones.
Therefore, people with kidney disease should also avoid using antacids because they can interfere with kidney function which can increase toxins in the bloodstream.
So, even though this drug is safe if used according to the applicable dosage and recommendations, antacid side effects cannot be ignored. Therefore it is important to follow the doctor's advice and advice when using this drug to avoid side effects that can occur.
