OTC Antacids: What They Are, How They Work, and Which Ones Actually Help

When your chest burns after eating, or you feel that sour taste creeping up, OTC antacids, over-the-counter medications designed to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn. Also known as heartburn tablets, they’re often the first thing people reach for before calling a doctor. You don’t need a prescription, they’re cheap, and they work fast—but not all of them are the same, and using them wrong can cause more problems than they solve.

Most OTC antacids, over-the-counter medications designed to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn. Also known as heartburn tablets, they’re often the first thing people reach for before calling a doctor. work by neutralizing acid right where it’s causing trouble. The most common active ingredients are calcium carbonate, a mineral compound found in Tums and other popular brands that quickly reduces acid and adds calcium, magnesium hydroxide, a gentle laxative that also soothes acid but can cause loose stools if overused, and aluminum hydroxide, a slower-acting ingredient that helps coat the stomach but can cause constipation. Many brands mix these together to balance speed and side effects. But here’s the catch: if you’re using them every day for weeks, you’re masking a deeper issue. Chronic heartburn isn’t just discomfort—it’s often GERD, and long-term reliance on antacids can interfere with nutrient absorption, weaken bones, or even hide signs of ulcers or hiatal hernias.

Some people think antacids are harmless because they’re sold on shelves next to painkillers. But they’re still drugs. Too much calcium carbonate can raise your blood calcium levels. Magnesium can be dangerous if you have kidney problems. And aluminum-based antacids? They can build up in your body over time. The real question isn’t just which one works fastest—it’s whether you need something stronger, or if you should be changing your diet, timing your meals, or losing weight to reduce pressure on your stomach. Many of the posts here dive into what happens when people use these meds too often, what alternatives exist, and how to tell if your heartburn is more than just a bad taco.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on what works, what doesn’t, and when to stop reaching for the bottle. Some posts compare brands. Others explain how acid reflux connects to other conditions like asthma or sleep apnea. A few even warn about fake products sold online. This isn’t just a list of pills—it’s a roadmap to understanding your body’s signals and making smarter choices before you need a prescription.