Can Diarrhea Be Treated With Antacids?

Antacids are over-the-counter medications that neutralize stomach acid, helping to reduce the risk of diarrhea or constipation. They are commonly used by infants and people over 65 years old, but prolonged use can lead to negative side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, acid rebound, and medication interactions. Bismuth subsalicylate is a mild antacid used to treat gastrointestinal discomfort, indigestion, traveler’s diarrhea, and Helicobacter pylori infection.

Pepto-Bismol, a mild antacid, may help relieve diarrhea due to stomach flu. However, there is no research suggesting that other antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, will help symptoms of stomach flu. To control diarrhea, use an antacid containing only aluminum, as the aluminum in this product can cause constipation.

Tums (transdermal mucositis medication) is not indicated for the treatment of diarrhea, so it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist if experiencing severe or persistent diarrhea. Antacids work by working by reducing the amount of stomach acid produced by the stomach. Some manufacturers add aluminum hydroxide to counteract the diarrhea effect, which can increase the price and cause side effects.

In summary, antacids are essential over-the-counter medications that help neutralize stomach acid and manage gastrointestinal discomfort. However, prolonged use can lead to negative side effects, such as diarrhea, constipation, and acid rebound, especially if over-reliance on these medications is high.

What not to take for diarrhea?

Avoid fruits and vegetables that can cause gas, such as broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, berries, prunes, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn.

Limit or cut out milk and other dairy products if they are making your diarrhea worse or causing gas and bloating.

• The diarrhea gets worse or does not get better in 2 days for an infant or child, or 5 days for adults
• Stools with an unusual odor or color
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blood or mucus in your stool
• A fever that does not go away
• Stomach pain

Bartelt LA, Guerrant RL. Diarrhea with little or no fever. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 98.

What antacid does not cause diarrhea?

Calcium carbonate antacids such as Tums and aluminum-based antacids like Amphojel may cause constipation. Some individuals experience diarrhea when using magnesium compounds such as Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia. For these reasons, many people prefer combination aluminum-magnesium antacids like Maalox and Mylanta that are less likely to cause constipation or diarrhea. Some of these formulas contain simethicone, an anti-foaming agent that helps reduce bloating by breaking down gas bubbles in your stomach.

Always take your antacid with food. This allows you up to three hours of relief. When ingested on an empty stomach, an antacid leaves your stomach too quickly and can only neutralize acid for 30 to 60 minutes.

It’s important to consult your doctor or pharmacist before you take an antacid if you’re on other medications to prevent interactions. Individuals with kidney or liver problems should never begin the use of antacids without speaking with their physician in order to avoid drug build-up.

Does diarrhea mean too much acid?

Excess bile acids entering the colon can cause the classic signs and symptoms of bile acid malabsorption (BAM), including watery stool, urgency and fecal incontinence. Although BAM has been associated with diarrhea for nearly 50 years, it remains an underrecognized and underdiagnosed cause of chronic diarrhea.

Studies have demonstrated that BAM occurs in about one-third of patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), up to 50 percent of those with functional diarrhea and 35 percent of those with microscopic colitis.

Even so, BAM is seldom considered in most cases of chronic diarrhea encountered by gastroenterologists and primary care physicians. As a result, patients may be extensively investigated with colonoscopies, CT enterography and other stool studies, diagnosed with other causes of diarrhea, or considered to have irritable bowel syndrome or functional diarrhea by exclusion, thereby delaying specific treatment.

Does acid reducer help with diarrhea?

Antacids are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that help neutralize stomach acid. Take antacids as directed to reduce the risk of diarrhea or constipation. They may also increase the chance of developing food sensitivities. In some cases, they can cause an allergic reaction.

• Acid reflux, which can include regurgitation, bitter taste, persistent dry cough, pain when lying down, and trouble swallowing
• heartburn, which is a burning sensation in your chest or throat caused by acid reflux
• indigestion, which is pain in your upper gut that can feel like gas or bloating

• Liquid
• chewable gummy or tablet
• tablet that you dissolve in water to drink

What can calm down diarrhea?

Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken. Don’t eat certain foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days. Ask about antidiarrheal medicines.

Diagnosis. Your healthcare professional will likely ask about your medical history, review the medicines you take and conduct a physical exam. Your health professional may order tests to determine what’s causing your diarrhea. Possible tests include:

• Blood tests. A complete blood count, measurement of electrolytes and tests of kidney function can help indicate how bad your diarrhea is.
• Stool test. You may have a stool test to see if a bacterium or parasite is causing your diarrhea.
• Hydrogen breath test. This type of test can help determine if you have a lactose intolerance. After you drink a liquid that contains high levels of lactose, your breath is measured for hydrogen at regular intervals. Breathing out too much hydrogen indicates that you aren’t fully digesting and absorbing lactose.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Using a thin, lighted tube that’s inserted into the rectum, a medical professional can see inside of the colon. The device also has a tool that allows the doctor to take a small sample of tissue, called a biopsy, from the colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy provides a view of the lower colon, while colonoscopy allows the doctor to see the entire colon.
• Upper endoscopy. A medical professional uses a long, thin tube with a camera on the end to examine the stomach and upper small intestine. They may remove a tissue sample to be checked in a laboratory.

Treatment. Most cases of sudden diarrhea clear on their own within a couple of days without treatment. If you’ve tried lifestyle changes and home remedies for diarrhea without success, your healthcare professional might recommend medicines or other treatments.

How do you calm diarrhea?

To help you cope with your symptoms until the diarrhea goes away, try to do the following: Drink plenty of liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your stool returns to what’s typical for you.

Diagnosis. Your healthcare professional will likely ask about your medical history, review the medicines you take and conduct a physical exam. Your health professional may order tests to determine what’s causing your diarrhea. Possible tests include:

• Blood tests. A complete blood count, measurement of electrolytes and tests of kidney function can help indicate how bad your diarrhea is.
• Stool test. You may have a stool test to see if a bacterium or parasite is causing your diarrhea.
• Hydrogen breath test. This type of test can help determine if you have a lactose intolerance. After you drink a liquid that contains high levels of lactose, your breath is measured for hydrogen at regular intervals. Breathing out too much hydrogen indicates that you aren’t fully digesting and absorbing lactose.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Using a thin, lighted tube that’s inserted into the rectum, a medical professional can see inside of the colon. The device also has a tool that allows the doctor to take a small sample of tissue, called a biopsy, from the colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy provides a view of the lower colon, while colonoscopy allows the doctor to see the entire colon.
• Upper endoscopy. A medical professional uses a long, thin tube with a camera on the end to examine the stomach and upper small intestine. They may remove a tissue sample to be checked in a laboratory.

Treatment. Most cases of sudden diarrhea clear on their own within a couple of days without treatment. If you’ve tried lifestyle changes and home remedies for diarrhea without success, your healthcare professional might recommend medicines or other treatments.

What stops diarrhea fast?

What is the fastest way to cure diarrhea? Modifying your diet to eat plain, bland food; drinking water and other clear liquids; and taking anti-diarrheal medications may help you get rid of diarrhea quicker if your case is mild.

You usually don’t need medical treatment for diarrhea. In most cases, it will go away on its own in a few days. But there are some things you can do to treat it at home that can help it resolve faster and ease your symptoms. If you have the runs for more than a few days, or you have other symptoms, it might be a good idea to give your doctor a call.

Diarrhea should go away in a few days without treatment. Until you feel better, rest, drink enough of the appropriate fluids, and watch what you eat. Some foods can help stop your diarrhea, while others may make it worse.

Your body loses water with each trip to the bathroom. If you lose too much water, you can get dehydrated. It’s important to keep drinking fluids.

Is it better to stop diarrhea or let it go?

Since diarrhea is your body’s way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including: Attapulgite (Kaopectate) Loperamide (Imodium)

How to settle an upset stomach and diarrhea?

How to Cure an Upset Stomach NaturallyGinger. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe an upset stomach. … Apple Cider Vinegar. … Carbonated Drinks. … Peppermint or Chamomile Tea. … BRAT Diet. … Baking Soda. … Use a Heating Pad. … Drink More Water.

What Causes Upset Stomach (Indigestion)?. Upset stomach (also called indigestion or dyspepsia) is a term used for pain and discomfort in the stomach. What causes an upset stomach? A number of factors can play a role including eating greasy or spicy foods, eating too much or too quickly, consuming too much alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, or carbonated beverages, anxiety, smoking, and certain antibiotics. Knowing what causes indigestion can help you avoid it, but there are also natural remedies you can use to soothe an upset stomach if it occurs.

How to Cure an Upset Stomach Naturally. If you have indigestion and want to avoid taking medication to address it, there are many ways to get natural upset stomach relief. Below are some indigestion remedies that many people find helpful.

1. Ginger. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe an upset stomach. It also contains chemicals that can accelerate stomach contractions to move offending foods through the stomach more quickly. It can be consumed in chew or supplement form or added to beverages like tea.

Can I take an antacid for diarrhea?

Antacids (such as Tums and Rolaids) are a good choice for heartburn and sour stomach. And medicines that contain bismuth subsalicylate (like Pepto-Bismol) can help treat diarrhea and nausea. If you’re not sure which medicine to take for your upset stomach, talk with your healthcare professional.

What helps watery diarrhea?

Boiled starches and cereals (eg, potatoes, noodles, rice, wheat, and oat) with salt are recommended if you have watery diarrhea; crackers, bananas, soup, and boiled vegetables may also be eaten. Antibiotics are not needed for most people with diarrhea.