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Antacids are medications that neutralize gastric acids to relieve acid reflux and indigestion. You can use antacids for children to treat occasional regurgitationiXThe act of spitting up food or liquids from the stomach of stomach contents or chronic reflux conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They can be purchased over the counter in the form of syrups or chewable tablets (1) (2). However, doctor consultation before purchase is necessary as some antacids aren’t recommended for children under 12 years of age unless directed otherwise by the doctor (3).
Read on about different antacids you can use for children, their safety, and their side effects.
Can Children Take Antacids?
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Yes, school age children and adolescents may be given certain antacids for short-term relief from symptoms. Since antacid medicines are available without a prescription, it is important to carefully go through the pack’s insert for instructions regarding recommended age and dosage. It is advisable to consult a general physician or a healthcare provider before giving antacids to children. These are not recommended for infants and young children. Also they are not recommended for long term treatment in children of any age.
What Are The Different Types Of Antacids?
Different types of antacids may contain one or more of the following ingredients (1) (4).
- Aluminum hydroxide
- Magnesium carbonate
- Magnesium trisilicate
- Magnesium hydroxide
- Calcium carbonate
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Bismuth subsalicylate
These chemicals neutralize stomach acid and/or reduce the amount of pepsin (a protein-digesting enzyme that may cause damage if the refluxed stomach contents reach beyond the food pipe). They may also relieve abdominal pain and stomach cramps and prevent the refluxed acid from corrodingiXA type of destruction or damage to the stomach causes by acidic and alkaline agents any tissue (5).
Extra ingredients that may be found in certain antacid preparations are (6):
- Simethicone: Breaks down gas bubbles and reduces flatulenceiXAlso called farting, it is the act of passing gas through the anus .
- Alginic acid: It is prepared from kelp (seaweed) and acts as a physical barrier to prevent the acid from coming in contact with the inner lining of the food pipe.
What Is The Dosage Of Antacids For Children?
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The age-appropriate dosage is often mentioned in the patient information leaflet or package insert available with the medication. However, you should discuss with your healthcare provider to know the appropriate dose based on the age and bodyweight of your child. Antacids are usually taken after meals or at bedtime, or as directed by your child’s doctor.
The table below may help you understand the dosage instructions for some of the available antacids (7) (8) (9).
| Ingredients (mg) | Brand names | Age (years) | Dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium carbonate (400mg) | Pepto kids (chewable tablet) | 3-5 | Not more than 3 tablets in 24 hours |
| 6-11 | Not more than 6 tablets in 24 hours | ||
| Aluminum hydroxide (200mg) Magnesium hydroxide (200mg) Simethicone (20mg) | Maalox (liquid) Ingredients mentioned per 5ml or 1tsp | 12 or above | 2-4tsp (10-20ml) up to 4 times a day |
| Bismuth subsalicylate (525mg) | Pepto-Bismol (liquid) Ingredients mentioned per 30ml or 2tbsp | 12 or above | 1 dose (30ml or 2tbsp) every 30 minutes to 1 hour as needed, not exceeding 240ml in 24 hours |
What Are The Side Effects Of Antacids In Children?
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Antacids usually do not cause harm if taken in correct doses. It may cause certain side effects in children, such as (4):
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Flatulence
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
You should stop giving the medication to your child and consult a physician if any of the above symptoms become severe.
What Precautions To Take When Using Antacids For Children?
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You must observe the following precautions when giving antacids to your child (9) (10).
- Chewable tablets should not be swallowed whole rather must be dissolved in the mouth slowly.
- Use measuring cups or devices provided with the product wherever applicable. Shake the container of liquid antacids well before administration to ensure uniform consistency of the liquid suspension.
- Antacids are short-term solutions and provide symptomatic relief. Do not use them for more than two weeks if symptoms persist. It is advisable to consult a general physician before giving antacids to children below 12 years of age.
- Make sure you check for the medicine’s composition or formulation to avoid any ingredients that are potential allergensiXSubstances that are primarily responsible for triggering an allergic reaction to your child.
- Some antacids may not be safe for children with liver, kidney, or heart disorders. Products containing salicylates, such as Bismuth subsalicylateiXMedication used to treat heartburn and indigestion , may cause Reye’s syndrome (a rare disorder causing liver and brain damage). A doctor’s consent is necessary in such cases.
- Consult a doctor before giving antacids to your child if they are ill or have just recovered from any illness.
- Antacids may alter the absorption and function of some other drugs. Discuss your child’s medications with a doctor before starting antacids.
- Some antacids may contain sodium. Ask your doctor if your child is on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet. The same applies to children on a magnesium-free diet.
- Keep medications out of children’s reach to prevent accidental overdosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a natural antacid?
Antacids naturally available in different fruits, vegetables, and grains are known as natural antacids. These antacids include high-fiber, alkaline, and watery foods such as oatmeal, bananas, sweet potatoes, and cucumbers. Apart from this, foods such as apple cider vinegar, ginger, and lemon also have antacid properties that may help children with acid reflux (12).
2. What happens if my child takes Tums?
Since the bodies of children are more sensitive than those of adults, the effect of certain medications will be different. An accidental ingestion of Tums by your child may lead to a minor stomach ache and problems such as constipation or diarrhea. You may wipe your child’s mouth with a wet cloth and feed them snacks and water. Seek further consultation with a doctor (13).
If you are concerned about acid reflux or other gastric problems in your child, it is always a good idea to speak to a doctor about the dosage and safe antacids for children to give them age-appropriately. Also, giving non-prescribed antacids for the short term may not cure the underlying causes of GERD and reflux in children and could lead to side effects and other medical problems. Therefore, you may try to manage acid reflux in children with an effective diet and lifestyle modifications. If they fail to work, consult a doctor to decide on the right medication (antacid) to relieve your child’s discomfort.
Infographic: Other Medications For Acid Reflux In Children
Doctors may suggest medications when lifestyle changes do not relieve acid reflux in children. These medications are prescribed depending on the condition’s severity. Check out the infographic below to know what medications to treat acid reflux in children apart from antacids. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
Download Infographic
Key Pointers
- Antacids should not be given to children without a doctor’s prescription.
- They differ in their formulation and dosage for children of different ages.
- Although harmless, it may induce certain side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and headache, which require medical intervention.
- It is important to follow precautionary measures to prevent complications such as allergies, liver damage, and overdosing.
References:
- Antacids.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antacids/ - Reflux in Children.
https://medlineplus.gov/refluxinchildren.html - Indigestion medicines.
https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/digestive-gut-health/indigestion-medicines - Blake H. Salisbury and Jamie M. Terrell; (2021); Antacids.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526049/ - Tina L. Samuels and Nikki Johnston; (2020); Pepsin in gastroesophageal and extraesophageal reflux: molecular pathophysiology and diagnostic utility.
https://journals.lww.com/co-otolaryngology/Abstract/2020/12000/Pepsin_in_gastroesophageal_and_extraesophageal.6.aspx - Antacids.
https://iffgd.org/manage-your-health/diet-and-treatments/antacids/ - Pepto Kids.
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=673c45dc-84fd-5b45-e053-2a91aa0adea8 - Maalox Antacid.
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e2a14762-3860-44c3-a3ea-5dbc45f4b1d5 - Pepto-Bismol.
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=33baaf04-498d-44f2-9288-02b8f874f914 - Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Trisilicate.
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/aluminum-hydroxide-and-magnesium-trisilicate - Antacides.
https://iffgd.org/manage-your-health/diet-and-treatments/antacids/ - GERD Diet: Foods That Help with Acid Reflux (Heartburn)
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gerd-diet-foods-that-help-with-acid-reflux-heartburn - Tums
https://missouripoisoncenter.org/is-this-a-poison/tums/
