Is Alka Seltzer Safe For Pregnancy

I Accidentally Took Alka Seltzer While Pregnant

Alka Seltzer could contain aspirin, an NSAID, which can cause severe damage to the heart and lungs. It could lead to the closing of the heart passageway in the fetus and lower the amniotic fluid. During pregnancy, you should choose medications with calcium carbonate or magnesium, included in acid reducers and PPIs. If youve taken it once, it shouldnt do much harm but as a precaution, let your doctor know for future reference. If heartburn is a recurring issue, try to deal with it by making a few lifestyle changes, including what and when you eat and drink. Foods such as bananas, yogurt, milk, ginger, and water help with heartburn.

Pregnancy comes with lots of ups and downs. One of the common issues most pregnant people suffer from is getting heartburn.

Reportedly, 45 percent of expecting mothers experience heartburn, a common phenomenon during the second and third trimesters.

While there are different ways to treat heartburn, aspirin is the quickest way to deal with it. An expecting mother should avoid taking it at all costs.

Alka Seltzer isnt considered safe during pregnancy and can lead to some serious harm.

But what if you accidentally took an Alka Seltzer? Will it harm your baby? What can you do next? Are there other ways to deal with heartburn?

Other Heartburn Medicine For Pregnancy

If over-the-counter medicines aren’t helping enough with your heartburn, you may want to ask your provider about using something more effective and longer lasting, usually called an acid reducer. Instead of neutralizing your stomach acid like antacids do, acid reducers actually stop your stomach from producing most of the acid it normally would.

Acid reducers won’t help with the acid already in your stomach, so they work best when taken before a meal. Some acid-reducing medications, such as Pepcid Complete, are a combination of an acid reducer and an antacid , so they can provide immediate relief from the acid that’s already distressing you and reduce further acid production for up to 12 hours.

Pepcid is safe to take daily during pregnancy to prevent heartburn, and you can take calcium carbonate chewables like Tums with it if you still need relief. If this doesn’t help, many doctors will recommend proton pump inhibitors or PPIs. These include lansoprazole , omeprazole , pantoprazole , and esomeprazole

Some of these medicines are available over-the-counter and others require a prescription. All are currently considered safe to take during pregnancy, even during the first trimester. However, talk to your ob-gyn or midwife before taking medications for your heartburn. They can give you helpful tips, tricks, and safety guidance.

Read more about medications during pregnancy.

What Are Some Other Side Effects Of Alka

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

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The Role Of Stomach Acid

But over-the-counter medicines that get rid of stomach acid are not a long-term solution to constant heartburn, Dr. Dumot says.

You may be making the symptoms go away with medicine, but not addressing an underlying problem.

Gastric acid is part of our natural makeup just not in the esophagus, he says. The acid helps you to digest the food and protects you against infection. When you suppress acid, you can be affecting your health by affecting the digestive process.

When Should You See A Healthcare Provider About Heartburn Or Reflux During Pregnancy

Check in with your healthcare provider if calcium carbonate antacids dont seem to be helping. You should also reach out to them if you need to use them frequently for more than 2 weeks.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these other symptoms with your heartburn:

• Pain or cramps in your lower belly, side, or back

• Severe diarrhea that doesnt go away

• New or worsening nausea or vomiting

• Blood in your stool or stools that are very dark

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Cold Medications To Avoid

• Alka-Seltzer : There is some evidence this can cause unsafe fluid buildup during pregnancy. Also, Alka-Seltzer Plus, which is developed for cold and flu symptoms, contains phenylephrine, which may carry an increased risk of birth defects.
• Any cold relief medication that includes aspirin or ibuprofen: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a category that includes aspirin and ibuprofen. Studies have shown that women who took these drugs are more likely to give birth to babies with heart defects.
• Sudafed during the first trimester: Some studies have shown an increased risk of birth defects associated with use of pseudoephedrine during the first trimester of pregnancy.

How To Use Alka

Take this product by mouth as directed. For the chewable form, chew the medication well before swallowing. For the liquid form, shake the bottle well before each dose. Follow all directions on the product package. Do not take more than the maximum recommended dose stated on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. Do not take the maximum dose of the medication for more than 2 weeks unless directed by your doctor. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

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Quick Answer: Can You Take Antacid While Pregnant

Is Alka Seltzer antacid safe during pregnancy? During pregnancy, do not use antacids that have sodium bicarbonate , because they can cause fluid buildup. Do not use antacids that have magnesium trisilicate, because they may not be safe for your baby. It is okay to use antacids that have calcium carbonate .

How To Store And Dispose Of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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Do Antacids Cause Side Effects

The extra calcium from calcium carbonate antacids can cause gas, bloating, or constipation in some people. Antacids can also affect how well you absorb other medications, like iron supplements. Ask your pharmacist to check for interactions and space calcium carbonate antacids 1 to 2 hours apart from other medications when needed.

If You Are An Adult Over 60

• management or monitoring precaution: Cardiovascular-Elderly are more sensitive to tachycardia and hypertensive effects. May exacerbate symptomatic coronary insufficiency. Genitourinary-May cause urinary retention. Neuro/Psych-May worsen cognitive impairment in some elderly with dementia. Insomnia risk.
• management or monitoring precaution: Neuro/Psych-Anticholinergic effects may cause sedation, worsen cognitive impairment and increase fall risk. Non-sedating antihistamine preferred. Gastrointestinal-May cause or worsen pre-existing constipation. Genitourinary-Best avoided in patients with urinary retention from any cause.
• management or monitoring precaution: Hepatic-Elderly may be more susceptible to hepatotoxicity. Strict adherence to a maximum daily dose is recommended, and the maximum dose recommendation varies between 3000-3800 mg depending on strength used and source of the recommendation.

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Effects Of Heartburn Medicine On A Fetus

There arent any known risk factors for a fetus if Tums is used during pregnancy. When it comes to heartburn medicine, safe options generally include formulations with calcium carbonate or magnesium. If an antacid contains aluminum, it should be avoided during pregnancy. So what about the effects of Alka Seltzer while pregnant? Many formulations of Alka Seltzer contain aspirin. Aspirin is an NSAID and NSAIDs are not considered safe during pregnancy. If any formulation of Alka Seltzer is used that contains aspirin, it can cause serious effects on a fetus.

The use of NSAIDs during pregnancy can lead to serious heart and lung problems or death. If a form of Alka Seltzer is used with aspirin, it can cause premature closing of a heart passageway in the fetus. Using aspirin while pregnant can also lower the levels of amniotic fluid. The risk of heart problems is more significant if the NSAID is taken after the 30th week of pregnancy. If an NSAID is taken during the early weeks of pregnancy, it can increase the risk of miscarriage. If an Alka Seltzer formulation doesnt contain aspirin or another NSAID, it may be safe during pregnancy, but you should read all ingredients and also speak to your healthcare provider. Some forms of Alka Seltzer such as Alka Seltzer Plus Cold Relief may also have ingredients like chlorpheniramine, which is a decongestant. This can also be dangerous for a fetus. Its a good rule of thumb overall when pregnant to avoid combination medications.

Can You Take Tums While Pregnant

Yes, Tums are safe to take during pregnancy. In fact, your first line of defense should probably be these chewable antacids made from calcium carbonate . Fast, portable, and effective, they may be all you need to handle heartburn. They even taste pretty good and double as a calcium supplement.

Antacids containing magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide like Maalox, Mylanta, and Rolaids are probably safe when used occasionally at the recommended dosage. But they’re not your best option while pregnant because they also contain aluminum hydroxide. Aluminum can be constipating and, in large doses, toxic.

Bear in mind that swallowing any liquid, even the liquid you need to wash down a tablet, will cause your stomach to do what it does naturally: produce digestive juices including acid, the very thing you’re trying to reduce. So it’s best to swallow or chew tablets with as little liquid as possible when you’re having trouble with heartburn.

All of these antacid medicines work by neutralizing the acid that’s already in your stomach and causing you pain. Chewable and liquid antacids act much more quickly than tablets because they’re already dissolved. You can experiment to see which you prefer and what works most effectively for you.

If you’re regularly taking the recommended dosage and aren’t getting relief from heartburn, talk to your doctor or midwife about whether you can take additional or different medications.

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Can Too Many Tums Be Bad For The Baby During Pregnancy

Taking tums shouldnt be a problem as its considered safe for treating heartburn during pregnancy. But a daily intake could be harmful to your health.

If you have a recurring issue with reflux, you should see your doctor and find ways to treat it without a lot of medications by making some lifestyle changes.

Dr Gott: Uti Responds To Vinegar Therapy

Tue., May 20, 2008

Dear Dr. Gott: I used to have frequent, painful urinary-tract infections.

It was suggested in the Cleveland Ostomy News from the Cleveland Ostomy Association that drinking a small amount of vinegar daily could prevent urinary-tract infections. I have been drinking about a tablespoon mixed with water every day for about a year and have not had a single infection. I prefer wine vinegar over apple cider vinegar because it has a milder flavor. I have also heard that Alka-Seltzer can cure a urinary-tract infection but have not had to try this thanks to the vinegar. I hope this helps some of your readers.

Dear Reader: I have received several letters indicating vinegar as a good urinary-tract infection preventive. This is most likely due to its acidity.

You do not say whether you have had testing to find out why you are having so many infections. However, I assume that since you are receiving the Cleveland Ostomy News pamphlet, that you have a colostomy . If this is the case, UTIs are common and particularly difficult to treat.

I have not heard of the Alka-Seltzer remedy and cannot imagine how it could cure an infection. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria and require antibiotics for treatment. Alka-Seltzer is an over-the-counter medication for stomach upset. If any of my readers have had experience using this remedy, please let me know whether it was a success or not.

As for the TUMS, they are great source of calcium, which can, in theory, block cramps.

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Tips To Consider Before Taking An Otc Drug

• Try nondrug measures. For complaints commonly handled by OTC products, nondrug measures can help alleviate symptoms without the risk. For example, stress busters such as massage, meditation, relaxation exercises, or even a walk around the block, can help with tension headaches. And rest, fluids, and chicken soup are a much safer way for pregnant women to deal with symptoms of a cold than antihistamines and decongestants.
• Consult your healthcare provider. Don’t take anything without first discussing it with your practitioner. “There are trade-offs with OTC products,” Mitchell said. “You have to balance your need to take something with any possible risks.”
• Avoid combination products. Multi-symptom cold and allergy medications typically contain ingredients from the “off-limits” list. For example, while Tylenol pain reliever is relatively safe for occasional use during pregnancy, Tylenol Sinus Congestion and Pain and Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom liquid contain the decongestant phenylephrine, which is not.
• Read labels.Ingredients such as alcohol and caffeine turn up in surprising places. For example, Vick’s Nyquil Cold & Flu Liquid contains alcohol. And CVS Aspirin-Free Tension Headache, is indeed, free of aspirin, but still contains caffeine.

Does Alka Seltzer Help Upset Stomach

You should not use Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any type of serious illness .

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The liquid form may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of simethicone if you have phenylketonuria .

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When Should I Be Worried About Heartburn During Pregnancy

Heartburn is common in adults especially during pregnancy. While some research suggests women who have moderate heartburn during pregnancy give birth to babies with fuller heads of hair, having symptoms more than twice a week might be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease , or recurrent heartburn.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Alka

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication. Acetaminophen is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen which can lead to a fatal overdose. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen or APAP.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen, and can increase certain side effects of chlorpheniramine.

This medicine may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

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What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash hives itching red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever wheezing tightness in the chest or throat trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood vomit that looks like coffee grounds blood in the urine black, red, or tarry stools bleeding from the gums abnormal vaginal bleeding bruises without a cause or that get bigger or bleeding you cannot stop.
• Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Feeling confused.

Can I Take Alka

Do not drink alcohol while taking aspirin. Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by aspirin. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

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Can You Take Tums To Treat Heartburn During Pregnancy

Tums is an antacid tablet good for treating a heartburn issue and is a brand version of calcium carbonate simethicone.

The calcium carbonate in it is supposed to reduce the acid in your stomach and relieve you, and Simethicone can help break up gas bubbles.

As a chewable tablet, its pretty safe and has minimal side effects as a safe way to treat your heartburn during pregnancy.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, TUMS is safer for pregnant women and provides calcium to the body. One thing to remember is not to take it with your iron supplements.

Its recommended to space your antacids and iron supplements for at least two hours to get the full benefit of both, as antacids can stop the iron supplements from absorbing into your body.