When should you not use Eno? Critical health and safety warnings

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to regulatory information, antacids like Eno should not be used for more than 14 consecutive days without medical supervision. Understanding when should you not use Eno? is crucial for preventing potential health complications associated with its high sodium content and potential for masking more serious underlying conditions.

Quick Summary

Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, including heart, liver, or kidney problems, should avoid using Eno due to its high sodium content. It is also not for children under 12, pregnant women without medical advice, or those on low-sodium diets.

Key Points

Heart & Kidney Disease: Do not use Eno if you have high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney problems due to its high sodium content.
Duration Limit: Avoid using Eno for more than 14 consecutive days to prevent dependency and mask serious underlying conditions.
Age Restriction: Eno is not recommended for children under 12 years of age unless under a doctor's supervision.
Drug Interactions: Separate Eno intake from other medications by at least 2-4 hours, as it can interfere with their absorption and effectiveness.
Medical Consultation: Always consult a doctor if you have persistent or chronic acidity, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have any other existing health conditions.
Metabolic Risks: Overuse can lead to metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte imbalances, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps.

Health Conditions That Rule Out Eno Use

Eno contains active ingredients like sodium bicarbonate, which quickly neutralizes stomach acid to provide relief. However, the high sodium content makes it unsuitable and potentially dangerous for certain individuals.

Cardiovascular and Renal Problems

For individuals with heart and kidney conditions, the sodium in Eno poses a significant risk. The extra sodium can lead to fluid retention, increasing blood pressure and exacerbating conditions like heart failure and edema. People on low-sodium diets are also advised to avoid Eno for this reason.

Liver and Metabolic Conditions

Those with impaired hepatic or liver function, as well as those with a history of urinary calculi (kidney stones), should exercise caution. The product is also contraindicated in patients with metabolic or respiratory alkalosis, a condition where the body's fluid pH is higher than normal, and in patients with hypocalcaemia (low calcium levels).

Risks of Long-Term or Frequent Consumption

While effective for occasional heartburn, Eno is not a solution for chronic digestive issues. Prolonged or frequent use can lead to several negative health consequences, and its use is limited to a maximum of 14 days.

Dependence and Delayed Diagnosis

Using Eno regularly can lead to dependency and alter the body's natural acid production over time. This frequent usage can also mask the symptoms of a more serious underlying digestive disorder, delaying a proper medical diagnosis and treatment. If acidity persists for weeks, it is a sign that a medical evaluation is needed, not more Eno.

Electrolyte Imbalance and Alkalosis

The high intake of sodium bicarbonate can cause a metabolic alkalosis, a condition where body fluids become alkaline. This can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and lightheadedness. It can also interfere with the body's mineral balance, potentially causing muscle spasms due to low calcium levels.

Drug Interactions to Be Aware Of

Eno can interfere with the absorption of various other medications, making them less effective. It is important to separate the intake of Eno from other medicines by at least 2 to 4 hours.

Commonly affected medications include:

Antibiotics: Specifically, tetracycline products.
Weak bases: The absorption of drugs like itraconazole and ketoconazole can be affected by the increase in stomach pH.
Other antacids: Taking multiple antacids together can increase the risk of side effects.
Lithium: Sodium bicarbonate can enhance lithium excretion.

Comparison Table: Eno vs. Other Antacids


Feature	Eno (Sodium Bicarbonate Based)	Calcium Carbonate Antacids (e.g., Tums)	Acid Reducers (e.g., PPIs, H2 blockers)
Onset of Action	Very fast (effervescent)	Fast	Slower (requires time to build up effect)
Mechanism	Neutralizes stomach acid directly	Neutralizes stomach acid directly	Reduces stomach acid production over time
Duration of Relief	Short-lived	Short-lived	Longer-lasting relief
Main Ingredient	Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid	Calcium Carbonate	Omeprazole, Cimetidine, etc.
Sodium Content	High	Low	None/very low
Risk for High BP/Heart Disease	High due to sodium	Low (unless directed otherwise)	No significant risk from sodium
Long-Term Use	Not recommended (max 14 days)	Short-term only	Can be used long-term under medical supervision

Key Precautions for Specific Populations

Children

Eno is not recommended for children under 12 years of age unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional, as the adult dosage is too strong.

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Individuals

While some antacids are considered safe, pregnant and breastfeeding women should always consult a doctor before taking Eno.

Individuals with Allergies

Do not take Eno if you are allergic or intolerant to sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, or any other ingredients in the product.

Alternative Relief Options

For persistent or frequent acidity, it is best to consult a doctor who may recommend more suitable long-term treatments, such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). For immediate relief, a healthcare provider can suggest alternative antacids that do not pose a risk due to high sodium content. Lifestyle changes, such as eating mindfully, avoiding trigger foods, and staying hydrated, can also be highly effective for managing symptoms.

Conclusion

Eno is a quick-acting antacid for occasional heartburn, but it is far from a universally safe remedy. The high sodium content poses serious risks for individuals with underlying health conditions like hypertension, heart, or kidney disease. Furthermore, prolonged or frequent use can lead to dependence, metabolic issues, and can mask serious medical problems requiring professional attention. Always adhere to the recommended dosage and duration, and seek medical advice for chronic or persistent digestive issues. For a detailed list of antacid guidelines, you can consult sources like the NHS website on antacids.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, individuals with high blood pressure should avoid Eno. It contains a high level of sodium, which can further elevate blood pressure and worsen cardiovascular conditions.

No, it is not. Due to its high sodium bicarbonate content, Eno should be avoided by people with kidney disease or impaired renal function, as it can affect kidney function and electrolyte balance.

Eno should not be used for more than 14 consecutive days. Prolonged use can mask more serious digestive issues and lead to other health complications.

No, Eno is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. The dosage is designed for adults, and a healthcare professional should be consulted for pediatric cases.

Yes, Eno can interfere with the absorption of other medications, such as some antibiotics. To minimize interactions, you should wait at least 2-4 hours between taking Eno and other medicines.

Frequent use of Eno can lead to dependency, metabolic alkalosis, electrolyte imbalances, and can delay the diagnosis of a serious underlying digestive disorder.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional before using Eno to ensure it is safe for both mother and child.

If your acidity persists for weeks or becomes a chronic problem, you should stop using Eno and consult a doctor. Persistent symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires a proper medical diagnosis.