(HealthDay News) -- Antacids are medications that counteract acids in the stomach, to help ease heartburn discomfort.
Many of these drugs are sold over-the-counter. But not everyone should take antacids, despite their wide availability, the American Academy of Family Physicians says.
The academy mentions these people who shouldn't take antacids without first consulting a physician:
- People who are passing bloody stools.
- People who are vomiting blood.
- People who have heartburn that doesn't get better after two weeks of treatment.
- People who have painful or difficulty swallowing.
- People who are losing weight for no apparent reason.
