Is It Safe for My Baby? - Antacids and Other Heartburn Medications (non-prescription)

(e.g., calcium carbonate (such as Tums®, Rolaids®), aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide (Maalox®), alginic acid (Gaviscon®), ranitidine (Zantac®), famotidine (Pepcid®), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol®)

Risks During Pregnancy

• Most are safe when taken occasionally in single recommended doses.

Recommendations During Pregnancy

• Check with your health care provider and ask about non-drug treatments such as changing what foods you eat.
• Use occasionally, as needed, and take the dose suggested on the product label.
• Avoid antacids with sodium.
• Avoid antacids with salicylates (e.g., Pepto Bismol) in late pregnancy. Close to delivery, these can increase the risk of bleeding.

Risks During Breastfeeding

• Most are safe when taken occasionally in single recommended doses.

Recommendations During Breastfeeding

• Check with your health care provider and ask about non-drug treatments such as changing what foods you eat.
• Use occasionally, as needed, and take the dose suggested on the product label.
• Avoid antacids with sodium.

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