Stomach antacids are used to treat heartburn and indigestion. Antacids quickly reduce the amount of stomach acid and eliminate the symptoms of these problems. You can get these drugs without a prescription from the pharmacy, but before taking them, it is better to be familiar with their usage and side effects. So, we invite you to read this article to learn more about antacid medications.
How antacid drugs work
The stomach naturally produces hydrochloric acid to help break down proteins, so the stomach contents become acidic. The stomach, esophagus, and duodenum are protected against acid by various protective methods. If the acid content is too high or the protection methods are not effective, the coating of these areas will be damaged. This causes symptoms including:
- inflammation;
- wound;
- nausea ;
- abdominal pain;
- heartburn
Gastric antacid medicine is used to treat diseases related to stomach acid production. These drugs relieve the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. They also neutralize stomach acid by stopping the secretion of the acid-producing enzyme called pepsin. However, antacids cannot remove the cause of the disease, and another action must be taken to treat the root of the disease.
Antacids can relieve the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion; these symptoms include:
- It is a burning sensation in the chest or stomach, especially after meals or at night.
- Acidic or salty taste in the mouth.
- I am feeling full or bloated.
- Mild pain in the chest or stomach.
Content of antacids
The active ingredients in anti-acid drugs differ according to the type of drug and the company that produces it. The common elements of these drugs are aluminum, calcium, magnesium, and salt. These materials can also be mentioned:
- alginate;
- aluminum hydroxide;
- calcium carbonate;
- magnesium carbonate;
- magnesium hydroxide;
- magnesium trisalicylate;
- sodium bicarbonate
Classification of antacid drugs
Antacids are produced in two forms: syrup and chewable tablets. Antacid syrup relieves symptoms faster than chewable tablets. The strength and dosage of these drugs vary according to the age, the reason for use, and the drug’s manufacturer.
There are four types of common antacids, which are:
- Aluminum carbonate: It is used to treat and control hyperphosphatemia. This drug binds to phosphate in the intestine and prevents its absorption in the body. Therefore, using this medicine with a phosphate diet to avoid kidney stones is better.
- Calcium carbonate: It is used in conditions of calcium deficiency, such as osteoporosis, after menopause.
- Magnesium oxide: used to treat magnesium deficiency caused by other diseases and drugs.
- Aluminum-magnesium or bare aluminum: used for stress-induced bleeding, duodenal ulcer, or gastric ulcer, but not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Other factors also play a role in classifying antacid drugs, which we will examine below.
1. The power of antacids
The strength of the antacid drug is defined as acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), which shows the antacid’s ability to neutralize stomach acid. The most common antacids, such as sodium and calcium bicarbonate, have a high neutralizing capacity and quickly neutralize stomach acid.
2. The speed of effect of antacid drugs
The dissolution speed of antacids is also different. For example, sodium bicarbonate and magnesium hydroxide dissolve quickly, but aluminum hydroxide and calcium bicarbonate dissolve slowly. Also, liquid antacid dissolves more rapidly than tablets and powder.
3. Duration of effect of antacid drugs
Another difference between gastric antacids is their duration of effect. Sodium bicarbonate and magnesium hydroxide have a short effect period, and aluminum hydroxide and calcium bicarbonate have a more extended effect period. Aluminium-magnesium has a moderate effect.
Uses of stomach antacids
These drugs are used to treat mild cases of heartburn and indigestion. A soft case means that heartburn happens once in a while instead of every day.
Antacids also help with other symptoms, including:
- acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
- inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis);
- duodenitis;
- Ulcers.
Limiting the use of antacids
Most people can use these drugs, but in some cases, you should consult a doctor before taking the medication, including:
- having a low-salt diet ;
- pregnancy or decision to become pregnant;
- taking other drugs;
- age less than 12 years;
- heart failure ;
- high blood pressure ;
- Liver or kidney disease.
Avoid giving stomach antacids to children under six years old.
How to take antacids
If you have symptoms of heartburn or indigestion, you should use antacids.
- If you use an antacid on an empty stomach, the drug’s effect will be only 20 to 40 minutes because the drug is quickly transferred to the duodenum.
- You can take this medicine 1 hour after eating when the heartburn symptoms start. In this case, the drug reduces acid production for about 3 hours, that is, until the drug enters the duodenum with food.
- If you have symptoms at night and take an antacid before bed, avoid taking the antacid with food.
- If you regularly use antacids, consult your doctor about the underlying cause of heartburn.
- Due to the differences between manufactured antacids, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the amount and frequency of use of antacids.
Forgetting the dosage
If you forget to take antacids, don’t worry. You can use antacids at any time. It does not interfere with other medications.
Side effects of antacids
The side effects of this drug are more common in infants and people over 65 years old. These complications include:
- constipation or diarrhea;
- flatulence;
- Headache;
- Increased blood magnesium in people with kidney failure;
- nausea and vomiting;
- Stomach cramps or abdominal pain.
Serious side effects of the drug include:
- Acid reflux: Sometimes, taking antacids can cause your body to produce more acid and worsen symptoms. This disease occurs when antacid medicine is used for a long time.
- Alkaline milk syndrome: occurs when a large amount of sodium bicarbonate and calcium bicarbonate is used simultaneously. Symptoms of this disease include headache, nausea, irritability, weakness, hypercalcemia, and decreased kidney function.
- Neurotoxicity: Antacids alter the function of the nervous system.
- Microcytic anemia is caused by iron deficiency.
- Osteopenia or bone weakness.
- Hypercalcemia or high blood calcium.
Do not use antacids regularly. If you have daily symptoms of heartburn and indigestion, see your doctor to determine the cause.
Drug interactions of antacid drugs
Antacids may interact with other medications, including:
- Simultaneous use of acidic drugs with antacids can reduce the absorption of acidic drugs.
- Taking antacids with pseudoephedrine or levodopa can increase drug absorption and cause absorption toxicity and side effects.
- Sodium bicarbonate inhibits the excretion of quinidine and amphetamine and increases the excretion of acidic drugs such as aspirin.
Consult your doctor before taking antacids. Taking other medicines 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after taking an antacid is necessary to avoid drug interactions.
Taking antacid medicine in exceptional cases
1. pregnancy period
You can use antacid medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Of course, talk to your doctor first and check the ingredients in the antacid. Substances such as aluminum salt or calcium are safe for consumption during pregnancy but should not be consumed more than the recommended daily amount.
2. breastfeeding period
Some ingredients in antacids, such as calcium, can enter breast milk. It is not forbidden to use antacid drugs during breastfeeding if you do not use them more than the recommended amount per day.
Are antacids addictive?
No Antacids are not addictive. But if you regularly use these drugs, consult your doctor. Remember that these medications do not treat the underlying disease causing the symptoms.
What drugs are confused with antacids?
Other medications are used to treat heartburn and indigestion, but they are not antacids and work differently, including:
- Esomeprazole: treatment of acid reflux and gastric ulcer.
- Famotidine: gastric ulcer treatment, stomach acid return to the esophagus, and esophagitis.
- Omeprazole: Treatment of stomach and esophagus problems.
- Pantoprazole: Treatment of stomach and esophagus problems and the recovery of stomach acid to the esophagus.
- Cymethicone: Treatment of flatulence.
The most famous antacid drugs are:
- tams;
- Malanta;
- peptobismol;
- Rowlands.
you say
How familiar are you with antacid drugs? Have you ever used these drugs? You can write us your experience and opinion in the comments section and share this article with your friends through social networks.
Warning! This article is only for educational purposes; to use it, it is necessary to consult a doctor or specialist.
