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Antacids

Low Risk

Also known as:

Alka-Seltzer Heartburn Relief® Gaviscon® heartburn relief Rolaids® Tums® ultra-strength antacid

A colorful pile of antacids

Possible Symptoms

  • Minor stomach irritation
  • Constipation or diarrhea

What to Do

  1. Wipe or rinse out the mouth.
  2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
  3. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.

Important

Antacids can be a problem in people who have a medical diagnosis of **RENAL (KIDNEY) **disease. The extra calcium, magnesium, or aluminum in the antacids may be too much for the kidneys to handle, so it is important to call the Missouri Poison Center right away in this situation.

Additional Information

Children frequently eat antacids because the child likes the taste of the tablets or gummies. Often they will eat as many as time allows before an adult intervenes to stop them. A one-time ingestion of antacids is not a big problem. There can be some stomach upset, and maybe diarrhea or constipation. Significant complications involving antacid products come as a result of chronic usage, typically this happens with adults or medication errors.

If you find your child eating an antacid, do not panic. Take the medication away from them, wipe out the mouth with a soft, wet cloth, and give them some water to drink. If problems start or you have questions, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and questions.

If your child has any diagnosed RENAL (KIDNEY) problems, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The extra calcium, magnesium, or aluminum in the antacids may be too much for the kidneys to handle.

If you would like to learn more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from possible poison exposures, visit our First Aid for Poisoning page. Learn more about the four different routes of posing that can occur and how to react to each. We have first-aid videos in the event of swelling, skin contact, eye exposure, or inhalation.

**Note: Don’t forget, every case is different. To make sure you are getting the best information for your individual situation, click below to call or chat. It is fast, free, and confidential.

Take The Missouri Poison Center With You

Emergencies don’t wait for you, so you shouldn’t have to wait to call for help. Get the Missouri Poison Center app with poison information and a link to the Poison Help Line. It is just a click away during the most stressful moments. Our registered nurses and pharmacists are here 24/7/365 days a year to help guide you through poison exposures and overdose emergencies.

Don’t wait. Download now.

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