However, it is not necessary to double up on the next dose. There are no known interactions between food or alcohol and any of the antacids. However, caffeine and alcohol do stimulate the production of stomach acid and nicotine delays the healing of ulcers. An interaction generally means that one drug may increase or decrease the effect of another drug. Also, the more medications a person takes, the more likely there will be a drug interaction.
Antacids do interact with or prevent the absorption of many medications.
As a general rule it is best to separate antacid use and any other medications by at least 1 hour. When antacids are only taken occasionally, this seldom presents a serious problem. At times, a drug may have a different or enhanced effect when other diseases are present. At other times, the drug may worsen or effect another disease. Sodium bicarbonate should not be used when high blood pressure, heart disease or edema is present as sodium restriction is part of the treatment for these conditions.