Question #4: I take six antacid tablets before bed time to control my acid reflux at night. Then after about three hours of sleep, the burning in my esophagus will wake me up, and I take two more tablets. What are the long-term effects of taking all of these antacids?
Answer: While there are no long-term effects of taking that amount of antacids, the acid may be damaging your esophagus. Prescription-strength medications, such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors, would likely be indicated to decrease the acid and prevent acid exposure to the esophagus. In addition to causing esophagitis (esophageal inflammation), such exposure may result in pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions of the esophagus. You should discuss these treatment possibilities, as well as an endoscopy, to rule out serious esophageal problems with your physician.
*Note: All questions were paraphrased and original dates and names were removed.
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