Home

>

Cat

>

Health & Wellbeing

>

Antacids in Veterinary Medicine - Facts and Information

Antacids

Updated on September 10, 2024

In humans, antacids are commonly used for the prevention and treatment of stomach ulcers and esophageal reflux (heartburn).

Antacids

Summary

Used For:

Acid reflux, gastric ulcers, hyperphosphatemia

Brands:

AlternaGEL, Amphojel, Maalox, Phos-Ex, PhosLo, Tums, Milk of Magnesia

Species:

Dogs, cats, cattle, horses

Drug type:

Gastrointestinal

Prescription required:

Some require a prescription

Pregnancy and lactation:

Use caution in pregnant or lactating animals; calcium carbonate may be given post-partum to prevent or treat eclampsia (low blood calcium levels)

Side effects:

Lack of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances
 

General description

Antacids are the oldest of the gastrointestinal (GI) protectants and comprise a group of inorganic, relatively insoluble salts of aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and magnesium hydroxide. In humans, antacids are commonly used for the prevention and treatment of stomach ulcers and esophageal reflux (heartburn). Insufficient evidence is available to recommend antacids for treatment of ulcers and/or reflux in dogs and cats. Other longer acting and more effective acid-suppressing agents are available. Aluminum hydroxide and calcium acetate may be used for the reduction of hyperphosphatemia (increased amount of phosphorus in the blood) in patients with kidney failure; use of calcium carbonate should not be utilized due to potential for hypercalcemia (increased amount of calcium in the blood). Calcium carbonate may be given post-partum to prevent or treat eclampsia (low blood calcium levels)

Uses

Acid reflux, gastric ulceration, hyperphosphatemia

How it works

Antacids also may be beneficial by decreasing pepsin activity, binding to bile acids in the stomach, and stimulating local prostaglandin synthesis. There is an outdated belief that antacids are effective because they increase gastric pH, but this action is unlikely, or only temporary, because these agents do not exhibit strong enough buffer ing capacity. Antacids bind phosphorus in the bloodstream to lower the levels present. Calcium carbonate may increase blood calcium levels.

Dosage

Consult your veterinarian.

Forms

Most antacids are available in tablet, liquid and capsule forms. Pets generally do not like the taste, making it difficult to get the pet to take the products.

Storage information & handling

Powders, suspensions and capsules should be stored at room temperature unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.

What results can I expect?

Depending on what the antacid is being used for, results are usually seen within 2-3 days of treatment.

Missed Dosage

Long-term use of these antacids is not recommended for GI ulcers and/or reflux. When used as a phosphorous binder, continue treatment at the next scheduled dosing time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Overdose rarely causes problems. If overdose occurs, consult your veterinarian. With overdose, electrolyte imbalances can cause weakness and heart arrhythmias. Long-term use of aluminum-containing products can cause muscle weakness, thinning of the bones and aluminum toxicity. Long-term use of other products can damage the kidneys.

Side effects

May include: * Lack of appetite * Constipation * Diarrhea * Electrolyte imbalances in some patients due to the levels of magnesium, aluminum, sodium and potassium in the products

Contraindications

*Do not use magnesium-containing products or calcium carbonate (Tums) in animals with kidney failure. *Use with caution in patients who need restricted amounts of sodium or potassium in their diets. *Use aluminum-containing products with caution in patients with an obstruction in the stomach, emptying disorders or obstruction of the small intestines. *Use caution in pregnant or nursing animals, though calcium carbonate may be used for eclampsia in post-partum dogs.

Drug interactions

Due to changes in the acidity of the stomach, emptying time of the stomach or by chelation of the drugs, all oral medications may be affected. If multiple medications must be administered, separate dosages by at least 2 hours. Tetracycline antibiotics may not be absorbed if given with antacids. Antacids may **decrease** the absorption or effects of: * Chlordiazepoxide * Captopril * Chloroquine * Cimetidine * Corticosteroids * Digoxin * Iron salts * Indomethacin * Isoniazid * Ketoconazole * Nitrofurantoin * Pancreatic enzymes * Penicillamine * Phenothiazines * Phenytoin * Ranitidine * Valproic acid Antacids may **increase** the absorption or effects of: * Aspirin * Dicumarol * Flecainide * Quinidine * Sympathomimetics like ephedrine Do not use calcium-containing products in patients using digoxin/digitalis as abnormal heart rhythms may result. If using to decrease high blood phosphorus levels, give with meals.

Precaution

Do not use calcium carbonate as a phosphorus binder; it may be used for eclampsia in post-partum dogs.

Laboratory considerations

Electrolyte changes may be seen on blood work in animals taking antacids.

Sources

  • Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs

  • Plumb’s Veterinary Formulary

  • Sparkes, A. H., Caney, S., Chalhoub, S., Elliott, J., Finch, N., Gajanayake, I., Langston, C., Lefebvre, H. P., White, J., & Quimby, J. (2016). ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of feline chronic kidney disease. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 18(3), 219–239. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X16631234

  • Marks, S. L., Kook, P. H., Papich, M. G., Tolbert, M. K., & Willard, M. D. (2018). ACVIM consensus statement: Support for rational administration of gastrointestinal protectants to dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 32(6), 1823–1840. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15337 

Related Questions

left image

Hi! My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He’s taking insulin and taking antibiotics for a Uti. It’s been 4 weeks and he wobles when he’s walking. He can’t jump up on the bed like he used to.He’s blood sugar is 250 it’s better than it used to. I don’t understand why he’s so wobbly.

Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

Read More

My senior cat has metastized cancer.17 yrs old. My vet gave her predizone1 and one half tabs a day.i wanted to know if i can just stop the meds.

Is there a reason you want to stop the prednisone? I would recommend not stopping it and if you feel it is better to stop the prednisone then I would recommend weaning off of the prednisone. I would discuss how to wean the prednisone with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

Read More

My dogs are experiencing a bad flea outbreak. We used a generic for Frontline (fipronil) two weeks ago, with no results. I have purchased a generic for Advantix II (Imidacloprid, Permethrin, and Pyriproxyfen) and am wondering if I need to wait the full 4 weeks to use this, or if I can treat with the second medication now.

In severe outbreaks, 2 weeks between different drugs is ok. You will also need to use a household flea treatment in order to break the cycle, only 5% of the flea population are adults and actually present on pets, tge remaining 95% are eggs/large and will continue to hatch, develop and reinvest your pets. All in contact animals should be treated together and also given a tapeworm treatment because tapeworms are also transmitted by fleas

Read More

My 8yo Golden had a falsepregnancy w milk. Cabergoline has resolved it now. I hear conflicting opinions about spaying. She has never mated. Some say not spaying would cause pseudopregnancy recurrence+dangerous conditions like Mammary T. But UCDavis studies say spaying increases other aggressive cancer risks among GoldenRs. Also, vet thinks that her anemia that keeps coming back after prednisolone trtmnts *might* be due to Ovary cysts, suggests spaying. What's the right approach for her health?

Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Lav. I've heard many owners quote the UC Davis study, and there are a number of things wrong with the study. Check out this article on it: https://humanepro.org/magazine/articles/deconstructing-spayneuter-debate Not spaying her can cause a pseudopregnancy reoccurrence, but it doesn't increase her risk of mammary tumors. That's already going to be 25% because she's had more than two heats. Keep in mind, 50% of mammary tumors in dogs are malignant. She is eight years old, so she is already at a higher risk of developing cancer simply because she is an older dog. She is also at risk of a pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment. The treatment for a pyometra is spaying the dog, which is an emergency during a pyometra and can cost many thousands of dollars. In all honesty, it's best to spay her. It will keep her from developing a pyometra as well as a pseudopregnancy, and it will keep her from getting pregnant if she accidentally mates. Dogs over the age of six should never have puppies. In my opinion, it's best for her to health to get spayed asap. I hope this helps!

Read More

My cat was prescribed antibiotics for diarrhea and today was his second day of taking them. He’s required to take 0.5 mL of the antibiotic and another one after 12 hours (twice a day). Today, he lost his appetite (only ate a few treats) and threw up clear liquid twice and clear yellow liquid 3 times. He is also lethargic.

Hello, thank you for using Boop by Petco. I'm sorry to hear that Leo is having this problem. Many antibiotics cause gastrointestinal issues in cats so you will need to call your vet and let them know what is going on. Most likely they will have you stop one or both of the antibiotics and prescribe something different. I would also suggest that you put him on a pre/probiotic while he is taking antibiotics and then continue for at least one week after the antibiotics have been stopped. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Read More

I was advised by my daughter's dog trainer to contact a vet about my Yorkie's anxiety. She is 7 yo and 12 lbs. She started off scared of some fireworks in the neighborhood. Now it has progressed to even heavy rain. She keeps us up during storms because s she's so afraid and we can't console her. The trainer said a vet could try her on some trazadone. How can I get help with this?

Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Ellie. I'm sorry she's having trouble with anxiety! Yes medications can help with anxiety, but she would need to see a vet in person to get the medication. We cannot provide a prescription for it from the site without seeing her in person; it's illegal, and against the user terms of the site. I recommend contacting her vet to make her an appointment to discuss the use of medication. A thundershirt may also help in conjunction with medication. You can buy them online, I also recommend looking at one of those. A tip to keep in mind when she is afraid is not to console her. It's natural to want to do that, but it actually reinforces the behavior. By consoling her, you are telling her it's ok to act this way. I hope this helps!

Read More

right image
image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.