The Basics
What is Antacids?
Neutralize acid in the stomach.
Brand names for Antacids
Alka-Seltzer, Tums
How Antacids is classified
Antacids, Oral, Anti-Ulcer Agents, Gastrointestinal Agents
Antacids During Pregnancy
Antacids pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Antacids while pregnant
Can you take antacids while pregnant? Relevant published information about antacids and pregnancy was not found as of the revision date.
Taking Antacids While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Antacids?
Although no published information on the aluminum, calcium or magnesium content of milk during maternal antacid therapy could be found, additional intake of these minerals by a nursing mother is unlikely to surpass that found in other infant foods. In addition, oral absorption of aluminum and magnesium is poor. Because of these factors, reviewers generally consider antacid use during breastfeeding to be acceptable.[1][2][3][4] No special precautions are required.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Although no published information on the aluminum, calcium or magnesium content of milk during maternal antacid therapy could be found, additional intake of these minerals by a nursing mother is unlikely to surpass that found in other infant foods. In addition, oral absorption of aluminum and magnesium is poor. Because of these factors, reviewers generally consider antacid use during breastfeeding to be acceptable.[1][2][3][4] No special precautions are required.
Possible effects of Antacids on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Antacids
Cimetidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Ranitidine, Sucralfate.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Lewis JH, Weingold AB and the Committee of FDA-Related Matters, American College of Gastroenterology. The use of gastrointestinal drugs during pregnancy and lactation. Am J Gastroenterol. 1985;80:912-23. PMID: 2864852
2. Broussard CN, Richter JE. Treating gastro-oesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy and lactation: what are the safest therapy options? Drug Saf. 1998;19:325-37. PMID: 9804446
3. WHO Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development. Breastfeeding and maternal medication. Recommendations for drugs in the eleventh WHO model list of essential drugs. 2002. http://whqlibdocwhoint/hq/2002/55732pdf
4. Richter JE. Review article: The management of heartburn in pregnancy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2005;22:749-57. PMID: 16225482
5. Fernandez-Lorenzo JR, Cocho JA et al. Aluminum contents of human milk, cow’s milk, and infant formulas. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1999;28:270-5. PMID: 10067727
6. Mandic ML, Grgic J et al. Aluminum levels in human milk. Sci Total Environ. 1995;170:165-70. PMID: 7481740
7. Neville MC. Calcium secretion into milk. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 2005;10:119-28. PMID: 16025219
8. Cruikshank DP, Varner MW, Pitkin RM. Breast milk magnesium and calcium concentrations following magnesium sulfate treatment. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1982;143:685-8. PMID: 7091241
9. Hagemann TM. Gastrointestinal medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1998;14:259-62. PMID: 10205441
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
