What is a common side effect of antacids?

Antacids are medications used to neutralize stomach acid and provide relief from conditions like heartburn and indigestion. A common side effect of many antacids, particularly those containing aluminum or calcium, is constipation. This occurs because these ingredients can slow down bowel motility, leading to difficulty in stool passage.

Antacids that are high in magnesium may have the opposite effect, often causing diarrhea, but the traditional formulations most often associated with constipation are those containing aluminum and calcium. Therefore, recognizing constipation as a potential side effect is important for patient education and management when prescribing or recommending antacids.