Health Tip: Call Your Doctor Before You Take Antacids...

(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.

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