Side Effects of OTC Treatments For Acid Reflux

In a society that’s already highly medicated, it’s important to note the potential side effects of OTC treatments for acid reflux before self-medicating. As you have probably already seen in the media, side effects are not to be taken lightly. Most patients assume that rule only applies to a prescription product, but that is inaccurate.

All products, regardless of the disease they are designed to treat, should be taken with caution. The following is a list of the most commonly used OTC products and some of the side effects associated with each of them. Although the potential problems that are listed in bold red letters are not common, they are quite serious.

If you experience ANY of those issues, call your physician or healthcare provider immediately.

Rolaids, Titralac, Tums:

• Constipation

• Stomach Cramps

• Loss of Appetite

• Vomiting

• Dizziness

• Headaches

Gaviscon/Mylanta:

• Chalky Taste

• Diarreha

• Constipation

• Confusion/Decreased Alertness

• Drowsiness

• Headaches

• Loss of Appetite

• Nausea/Vomiting

• Weakness

Pepcid:

• Agitation

• Nervousness

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Nausea

• Confusion

• Skin Rash or Itching

• Hallucinations

Zantac/Tagamet:

• Constipation

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Diarrhea

• Yellowing of the skin/eyes

• Agitation, Nervousness, Depression, Hallucinations

• Swelling of the Breasts

• Sexual Difficulties

• Redness, Blistering, Loosening or Peeling of the Skin (Including Inside the Mouth)

• Dark Yellow/Brown Urine

• Sore Throat

• Fever

• Unusual Bleeding or Bruising

• Unusual Weakness or Tiredness

• Vomiting

Kaopectate/Pepto Bismol:

• Black Stools

• Blackened Tongue

• Constipation

• Anxiety/Confusion

• Dizziness

• Increased Sweating/Thirst

• Increased Sweating/Thirst

• Ringing in the Ears/Loss of Hearing

• Vomiting That Won’t go Away

• Muscle Weakness

• Trembling/Uncontrollable Movements

Prilosec OTC:

• Headache

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Blood in Urine

• Chest Pain or Tightness

• Pain/Difficulty Passing Urine

• Pain/Difficulty Passing Urine

• Skin Rash

• Shortness of Breath

• Fever/Sore Throat

• Redness, Loosening, Blistering or Peeling of Skin (Including Inside the Mouth)

• Dark Yellow/Brown Urine

• Unusual Bleeding or Bruising

The potential for side effects of OTC treatments for acid reflux does exist, albeit small. The most common issues reported by most patients were benign in nature and usually went away within a short amount of time.

There are many things that can affect your likelihood of developing an adverse reaction: pregnancy, breast feeding, intestinal problems other than GERD, edema, kidney/liver disease, allergies, diet restrictions, dehydration, recent or past surgeries, use with other medications prescribed for unrelated illnesses and a various other unsuspecting matters.

Without knowing, some of those ancillary and unrelated issues can cause serious harm if the patient is not aware of the things for which they should be watching.

If you experience something that is unusual or uncommon, but not considered a side effect according to the manufacturer of the product, call an expert anyway. When in doubt, err on the side of safety. You can never be too certain.

The side effects of OTC treatments of acid reflux (especially those listed in red) shouldn’t scare you away from seeking treatment for your symptoms but merely give serve as a guide.

Did you know that taking some OTC medicines can interact with other prescription medicines? Yes, to learn more including a list of some of the most frequently used OTC medicines for acid reflux as well as some of the drug interactions that could occur, click here

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