Prelief is a brand-name food acid neutralizer that helps people who are sensitive to acidic foods. Unlike antacids such as Tums, Prelief is not intended to neutralize stomach acid or to serve as a source of calcium. Instead, it’s used to reduce the acid in acidic foods like coffee, tea, pizza, or citrus fruit. It neutralizes food acid before the acid in the food causes a reaction or other problems. People take Prelief caplets when first eating or drinking acidic food. Alternatively, Prelief powder can be mixed in a drink or food to neutralize the acid before it’s eaten.
Prelief overview
BRAND NAMES:
Prelief
Generic Names:
Calcium glycerophosphate
Uses:
Used to reduce the acid levels in specific foods like coffee, tea, and citrus for people with sensitivities to acidic foods. It is a first-choice medical food for the dietary management of interstitial cystitis, an inflammatory bladder condition that is triggered by acidic foods.
Therapeutic Classes:
Medical food, antacid
Forms:
Caplets, powder
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Prelief used for?
Prelief is used to reduce the acid levels in specific foods to prevent reactions in people with sensitivities to acidic foods. It is an effective and first-choice treatment for the dietary management of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). Anecdotal evidence suggests it might also help with other conditions that might be triggered by acidic foods such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), overactive bladder, and prostate inflammation (prostatitis).
What form(s) does Prelief come in
Caplet
345 mg
Powder
690 mg per scoop or packet (¼ teaspoon)
What are common Prelief doses?
To neutralize food acid:
Take 2 or more caplets with the first bite or first drink of an acidic food
Mix in one scoop or one packet or more in an acidic drink or acidic food before drinking or eating it
Common Prelief prescriptions
Prelief
120 tablets bottlePrelief
60 tablets bottle
How to take Prelief
Follow the instructions on the package if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
Prelief is always taken with food. It is intended to reduce the acid levels in the food before the food reaches your stomach.
How to take Prelief caplets:
Take 2 caplets with the first bite or first drink of an acidic food
How to use Prelief powder:
Mix in one scoop or one packet of an acidic drink or acidic food before drinking or eating it
You may use more Prelief caplets or powder for larger meals.
What to do if you miss a dose of Prelief
Prelief doses must be mixed in with problem foods before they’re eaten or taken at the first bite or drink.
Prelief will not help reduce acid in foods that have already been eaten.
Prelief contraindications
People with allergies to phosphates, glycerol, or magnesium stearate should avoid taking Prelief.
People who’ve been asked to avoid calcium, phosphorus, or any product containing glycerol should talk to a doctor before taking this product.
Prelief warnings
Talk to a doctor before taking Prelief. It’s safe for most people, but it may cause problems in those with:
High calcium levels in their blood (hypercalcemia)
Sarcoidosis
A history of kidney stones or kidney disease
Parathyroid gland problems
You should also ask a doctor about how much Prelief to use each day. It is possible to take too much calcium. If you’re overusing Prelief or taking calcium supplements or antacids along with Prelief, there’s a risk of developing hypercalcemia.
Prelief interactions
To avoid possible drug interactions, tell healthcare providers you are taking Prelief.
The calcium in Prelief can block the ability of your body to absorb some drugs. You don’t need to stop using Prelief, but make sure you take these drugs at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after using Prelief. These drugs include:
Fluoroquinolone or tetracycline antibiotics
The underactive thyroid treatment levothyroxine
Drugs that treat osteoporosis called bisphosphonates
Before using Prelief, talk to a doctor if you’re also taking calcium supplements. You will need to make sure your daily intake of calcium is not excessive.
It may not be advisable to add calcium to your diet if you’re taking certain types of drugs that treat high calcium or calcium-based kidney stones. Talk to a doctor first.
Prelief side effects
Serious side effects
When taken as directed, Prelief should not cause serious side effects other than possible allergic reactions, but these are very uncommon. Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction such as:
Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Calcium taken in excess will cause high calcium levels in the body, a condition called hypercalcemia. If you’re overusing Prelief or taking it with calcium supplements, talk to a doctor if you notice any symptoms of hypercalcemia such as:
Headache that will not go away, thirst, loss of appetite, severe constipation
Less serious side effects
Mild constipation
Gas
Sources:
Drug interactions with vitamins and minerals, U.S. Pharmacist
Hypercalcemia symptoms and causes, Penn Medicine
Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, StatPearls
Prelief, DSE
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