Antacids are medicines that
counteract (neutralise) the acid in your stomach to relieve indigestion and heartburn
. They come as a liquid or chewable tablets and can be bought from pharmacies and shops without a prescription.
What symptoms do antacids treat?
- acid reflux, which can include regurgitation, bitter taste, persistent dry cough, pain when lying down, and trouble swallowing.
- heartburn, which is a burning sensation in your chest or throat caused by acid reflux.
What are three uses of antacids?
This medication is used to treat the symptoms of too much stomach acid such
as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion
. Aluminum and magnesium antacids work quickly to lower the acid in the stomach. Liquid antacids usually work faster/better than tablets or capsules.
Which antacid is commonly used?
The most commonly used antacids are
aluminum hydroxide (Al[OH]
3
), magnesium hydroxide (Mg[OH]
2
)
, and calcium carbonate (CaCO
3
). Many of these are available as over-the-counter formulations for the symptomatic relief of gastroesophageal reflux and dyspepsia, and are often formulated with other drugs (see Box 45-1).
Which is used as antacid in medicine?
Sodium bicarbonate
reduces stomach acid. It is used as an antacid to treat heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. Sodium bicarbonate is a very quick-acting antacid.
What is the side effect of antacid?
- diarrhoea or constipation.
- flatulence (wind)
- stomach cramps.
- feeling sick or vomiting.
How long should I take antacid?
While both types of medication can be safe for long-term use, it is crucial to talk with your physician before taking them for
more than two weeks
. You need to get to the root of the problem to ensure you don’t have a serious health condition masking itself as indigestion.
What foods neutralize stomach acid?
- Bananas. This low-acid fruit can help those with acid reflux by coating an irritated esophageal lining and thereby helping to combat discomfort. …
- Melons. Like bananas, melons also are a highly alkaline fruit. …
- Oatmeal. …
- Yogurt. …
- Green Vegetables.
How long does it take for antacids to work?
Antacids like Rolaids or Tums work instantly, but wear off quickly. Antacids work best if taken
30 to 60 minutes before eating
. Histamine blockers take effect in about an hour, but must be taken twice a day for heartburn prevention.
Why Tums are not good for you?
Tums, as mentioned, also contains
calcium
which is absorbed into the body. Although calcium is vital for the bones and overall good health, too much calcium is dangerous and can lead to heart and kidney problems.
Which brand of antacid is the best?
- Best Overall: Prilosec OTC at Amazon. …
- Best Liquid Antacid: Pepto Bismol Original at Amazon. …
- Best Flavored Antacid: TUMS Chewy Bites Antacid Tablets at Amazon. …
- Best Chewable Antacid: Rolaids Extra Strength Antacid Chewable Tablets at Amazon. …
- Best for GERD: …
- Best for Kids: …
- Best With Added Benefits:
What antacid is safe?
The FDA Wednesday said that preliminary tests of alternatives including
Pepcid
(famotidine), Tagamet (cimetidine), Nexium (esomeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole) and Prilosec (omeprazole) found no N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), the suspected cancer-causing agent found in OTC ranitidine drugs including the popular …
When should you not take antacids?
If you are taking them for symptoms at
night
, do not take them with food. Antacids cannot treat more serious problems, such as appendicitis, a stomach ulcer, gallstones, or bowel problems. Talk to your provider if you have: Pain or symptoms that do not get better with antacids.
Is Gestid an antacid?
The
aluminum acts as an antacid
to reduce stomach acid, dimethicone helps release the gas, magnesium hydroxide and magnesium aluminum silicate hydrate helps increase the water in the intestine and also reduce the acid in the stomach. Gestid syrup is sugar free and is gentle on the stomach.
Can we use na2co3 as antacid?
Sodium Carbonate is the disodium salt of carbonic acid with alkalinizing property. When dissolved in water, sodium carbonate forms carbonic acid and sodium hydroxide. As a strong base, sodium hydroxide neutralizes gastric acid thereby acting as
an antacid
.
Why nahco3 is used as an antacid?
Health practitioners commonly accept baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, to be effective in providing temporary, occasional relief of acid reflux. It works because it
has an alkaline pH
, which helps to neutralize the acidity in your stomach, working in a similar manner to many over-the-counter antacids.
