Live Life Team
Antacids are drugs, either tablets or liquid, used for the symptomatic treatment of heartburns. They usually fall into the category of over–the- counter drugs.
What is meant by “heartburn”
“Heartburns” normally occur when acid which the human stomach pumps moves upward to the esophagus or throat. It can occur due to pregnancy, intake of certain medicines or foods or even due to consumption of alcohol.
The gastric acid causes irritation to the esophagus that usually leads to a feeling of heartburns in then patients This is usually known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease in medical terms.
How does an antacid function
Antacids function
Either by coating itself on the surface of the esophagus to protect it from stomach acids, and
Or by producing a gel like substance in human stomach which will prevent the acid from moving into the esophagus or throat
Effectiveness of antacids
Antacids, when used on proper directions from a doctor, can help in the treatment of occasional heartburn and indigestion. But prevention of heartburn must be the first concern rather than treating heartburns after it happens.
For long term, more effective medicines will be prescribed by the doctors. But, along with it the intake of medications, the following things must be kept in mind:
- Do not have big meals.
- Do not lie down as soon as you have the meal.
- Reduce the intake of your daily caffeine content.
- While sleeping, keep your head raised.
Who should avoid the intake of antacids,
The following people should not use antacids in large quantities;
- Children
- Pregnant women
- Patients with history of high blood pressure
- Patients with history of kidney stones.
Children are not advised the intake of antacids because it will cause the hindrance to the absorption of calcium, which in turn may inhibit proper bone growth.
The intake of antacids is usually favored in pregnancy. But if the iron supplements are being taken by a pregnant woman, the use of antacids may obstruct the proper absorption of the iron supplements. So if one needs to take antacid during pregnancy, she must have her iron supplements at a minimum of two hours before the intake of antacid.
If a person has a history of high blood pressure or kidney stones or if he or she is under any other medication, he or she must consult a General Physician before taking antacids. This is because antacids contain high magnesium and aluminium contents which may have a negative effect on the medication he or she is taking.
Side Effects of intake of antacids
Antacids can result in;
> Diarrhea
> Nausea
> Vomiting
> Blood in your stools
> Flatulence
And
>Constipation
Some of the common antacids available in the market have one of the following or a combination as ingredients.
- Aluminium Hydroxide
- Magnesium Hydroxide
- Calcium Carbonate
- Aluminium Carbonate Gel
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Hydrotalcite, Bismuth
- Subsalicylate
And - Magaldrate With Simethicone.
