Antacids - Aluminum, calcium, and magnesium-containing preparations

Overview

Medications

• Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide
• Calcium Carbonate
• Calcium Carbonate and Magnesium Hydroxide

Depletions

Osteoporosis (bone loss) is the primary disease associated with long term calcium deficiency. It may be associated with bone pain and spinal deformity. Depleted levels can also cause muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, and depression.

Calcium carbonate antacids may elevate calcium levels, depending upon the circumstances of use. Consult your health care provider.

Although copper deficiency is rare, signs and symptoms of long term copper depletion include anemia, changes in the structure and appearance of hair, heart damage, growth retardation, impaired bone formation, osteoporosis (bone loss), and emphysema (lung disease).

Depleted levels of iron may lead to anemia and weakened immunity. Symptoms of anemia include dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin color, and possibly irregular heartbeat.

Magnesium deficiency affects calcium and vitamin D levels in the body and may be associated with muscle cramps, heart irregularities, insomnia, high blood pressure, diabetes, and osteoporosis (bone loss).

Although phosphorus deficiency is rare, long term low levels are associated with muscle weakness, bone pain, mental confusion, anorexia, anemia, increased susceptibility to infection, respiratory difficulties, seizures, and even death.

Symptoms of potassium deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, drowsiness, feelings of apprehension, excessive thirst, irrational behavior, fatigue, muscle pain, and weakness (usually of the lower limbs). Severe cases may lead to irregular heartbeat.

Vitamin B12

Obvious symptoms of vitamin B12 are rare because it takes years to develop complications associated with long term depletion of this nutrient. Irritability, numbness, anemia, loss of appetite, headache, personality changes, and confusion are some of the signs and symptoms associated with vitamin B12 depletion. Low levels of this vitamin may also be associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, heart disease, brain disorders, and birth defects.

Zinc

Signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency include loss of appetite or sense of taste, impaired immunity, growth retardation, skin changes, and increased susceptibility to infection.

Editorial Note

The information presented here identifies some of the nutrients that may be depleted by certain medications. The signs and symptoms associated with nutrient deficiency may also indicate other conditions. If you have any of the signs or symptoms mentioned, it does not necessarily mean that you are nutrient deficient. Nutrient depletion depends upon several factors, including your medical history, diet, and lifestyle, as well as the length of time you have been taking the medication. Consult your health care provider to address your individual health care needs, and determine if you are at risk for nutrient depletions from these and other medications.

Supporting Research for Antacids - Aluminum, calcium, and magnesium-containing preparations

Ames BN. Micronutrient deficiencies: A major cause of DNA damage. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2000;889:87-106.

Cashman K, Flynn A. Optimal nutrition: calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Proc Nutr Soc. 1999;58:477-487.

Covington T, ed. Nonprescription Drug Therapy Guiding Patient Self-Care. St Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons;1999:467-545.

Dali-Youcef N, Andres E. An update on cobalamin deficiency in adults. QJM. 2009;102(1):17-28.

Faloon, WW. Drug production of intestinal malabsorption. N.Y. State J. Med. 70:2, 189, 1970.

Hambidge M. Human zinc deficiency. J Nutr. 2000;130(5S Suppl):1344S-1349S.

Herzog P. Antacid therapy -- changes in mineral metabolism. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl. 1982;75:56-62.

Herzog P. Effect of antacids on mineral metabolism. Z Gastroenterol. 1983;21 Suppl:117-26.

Marx: Rosen's Emergency Medicine, 7th ed. Mosby; St. Louis, MO. 2009.

National Research Council. Recommended Dietary Allowances. 10th ed. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1989.

Pelton R, LaValle J, Hawkins E, et al. Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook. 2nd ed. Hudson, OH: LexiComp, Inc.; 2001.

Alternative Names for Antacids - Aluminum, calcium, and magnesium-containing preparations