Let's learn more about this medicine (Calcium Carbonate; Simethicone) used for stomach inflammation and gastritis.

Sometimes, after eating a little spicy food, or not eating on time, you get a burning sensation in your stomach or chest, right? Or there are times when your stomach is full of gas and you feel like you've been bloated. This is really a very annoying situation. Today, we are going to talk in detail about a chewable tablet that many of us use at times like these.

Simply put, what is this medicine?

There are two main ingredients in this medicine. They are Calcium Carbonate and Simethicone . These two do two different things.

Imagine that when our stomach acid increases, inflammation occurs, similar to gastritis . At that time , the calcium carbonate part of this medicine reduces the amount of extra acid in our stomach and controls that inflammation. We call these types of medicines antacids .

Now let's look at the other part. Simethicone works by binding together the small gas bubbles that accumulate in our intestines , forming larger bubbles, and allowing them to pass out of the body more easily. This means it reduces the discomfort of a full stomach and stomach discomfort.

So, simply put, this provides relief from both stomach inflammation and flatulence.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Although you can buy this medicine at a pharmacy, if you have any health conditions, you should definitely inform your doctor before using it, as he or she can then decide whether it is suitable for you or not.

If you have these situations, be sure to tell us:

• If you are someone who frequently experiences constipation .
• If you have high levels of calcium in your blood.
• If you have kidney disease or kidney stones .
• If you have other stomach or intestinal problems.
• If you have previously had an allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• YouIf you are a pregnant mother or expecting a baby .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

How exactly do you use this?

The way to use this is very simple, but you have to do it right.

• This should be swallowed by chewing it well . It is not a pill to be swallowed with water.
• Follow the instructions on the medicine packet or bottle label exactly.
• Don't use more than what is in it.
• This medicine is usually used only when you have a problem. That means it is not a medicine that you have to take at the same time every day. Take it only when you feel uncomfortable.

If you give this to small children...

Doctors sometimes recommend this medicine for children over the age of 2. However , never give this medicine to young children without the advice of a doctor. The doctor will determine the appropriate dose and how long to give the child.

What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)

This is very important. If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, or if you find out that a small child has taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately.

Alternatively, you can call the National Poison Information Centre located at the Colombo National Hospital and get advice. They will tell you exactly what to do.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

If you are taking medication for another condition, it is very important to tell your doctor about it before taking this medicine, as some medications can interact with this antacid and reduce or change the effectiveness of that medication.

The table below lists some medications that may interact with this medicine.

This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal products) .

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

If your symptoms do not improve or seem to be getting worse, be sure to see a doctor. Do not continue to use this medicine for more than two weeks without consulting a doctor, as the cause of your stomach inflammation may be something more serious.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. But most people don't. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.

How do you store and dispose of medication?

• Keep it safe, out of the reach of children and pets .
• Store at room temperature (between 15°C - 30°C) , away from moisture and excessive heat. Keep the bottle cap tightly closed.
• Never use expired medicine.
• Ask your doctor about the safest way to dispose of expired or no longer needed medicine. Sometimes there may be instructions on the label or leaflet that comes with the medicine. Never flush medicine down the toilet for any reason.