More studies are needed. Therefore, current advice is that PPIs should be taken at the lowest dose, for the shortest length of time possible. Some people may be able to take them occasionally rather than on a daily basis.
However, if you find that other medicines don't help and you have persistent symptoms, advice is to carry on taking PPI medication for as long as necessary. However, antacids still have a place. They are most commonly used to provide quick relief of symptoms caused by stomach acid - in particular, in people who have occasional bouts of mild dyspepsia or heartburn. Your stomach normally produces acid to help with the digestion of food and to kill germs bacteria.
This acid is corrosive so your body produces a natural mucous barrier which protects the lining of the stomach from being worn away eroded. In some people this barrier may have broken down allowing the acid to damage the stomach, causing an ulcer. In others there may be a problem with the muscular band at the top of the stomach the sphincter that keeps the stomach tightly closed. This may allow the acid to escape and irritate the gullet oesophagus. Antacids work by counteracting neutralising the acid in your stomach.
They do this because the chemicals in antacids are bases alkalis which are the opposite of acids. A reaction between an acid and base is called neutralisation. This neutralisation makes the stomach contents less corrosive. This can help to relieve the pain associated with ulcers and the burning sensation in acid reflux.
When antacids work on stomach acid, they can produce gas which may cause wind flatulence. Simeticone helps to stop this foaming effect and may sometimes be included within antacid medications. Many of the common antacids also include alginates.
Most alginates work by forming a gel which floats on top of the stomach contents. The gel acts as a protective barrier, preventing stomach acid from irritating the oesophagus. Antacids are often taken to relieve symptoms or when symptoms are expected. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you of the dose needed and how often you should take it.
Jennifer Nayor and Dr. Molly Linn Perencevich, both instructors in medicine at Harvard Medical School, for their thoughts on heartburn, including when it's okay to use over-the-counter antacids and when you should seek other treatments. Below are their responses. To continue reading this article, you must log in. Already a member? Login ». As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.
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Thanks for visiting. Antacids are neutralizing, absorbing agents taken to relieve heartburn or indigestion caused by excess stomach acid. They typically contain salts of magnesium, aluminum, calcium and sodium. Antacids work by raising the gastric pH and are also used to provide symptomatic relief from peptic ulcers.
Sodium bicarbonate antacids, including Alka-Seltzer and Bromo Seltzer, contain baking soda. Pregnant women, individuals with high blood pressure and those on salt-restricted diets should avoid this type of antacid. Calcium carbonate antacids such as Tums and aluminum-based antacids like Amphojel may cause constipation. For these reasons, many people prefer combination aluminum-magnesium antacids like Maalox and Mylanta that are less likely to cause constipation or diarrhea.
Some of these formulas contain simethicone, an anti-foaming agent that helps reduce bloating by breaking down gas bubbles in your stomach. Always take your antacid with food. This allows you up to three hours of relief. When ingested on an empty stomach, an antacid leaves your stomach too quickly and can only neutralize acid for 30 to 60 minutes. Ingredients to look for include: aluminium hydroxide magnesium carbonate magnesium trisilicate magnesium hydroxide calcium carbonate sodium bicarbonate Some antacids also contain other medicines, such as an alginate which coats your gullet with a protective layer and simeticone which reduces flatulence.
How and when to take antacids Check the instructions on the packet or leaflet to see how much antacid to take and how often. Remember that doses for children may be lower than for adults. Taking antacids with food, alcohol and other medicines It's best to take antacids with food or soon after eating because this is when you're most likely to get indigestion or heartburn.
The effect of the medicine may also last longer if taken with food. Side effects of antacids Antacids do not usually have many side effects if they're only taken occasionally and at the recommended dose. But sometimes they can cause: diarrhoea or constipation flatulence wind stomach cramps feeling sick or vomiting These should pass once you stop taking the medicine.
Who may not be able to take antacids Antacids are safe for most people to take, but they're not suitable for everyone.
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