Sometimes, after eating a heavy meal at night, your chest gets sore, doesn't it? It feels like acid is coming up from your stomach. At such times, many of us are used to buying an antacid from a pharmacy and drinking it. But what are these antacids ? How do they actually work? Is it good to continue using them? Today, we will talk about this in detail.
Simply put, what are these Antacids?
Antacids are a type of medicine that reduces the acidity in our stomach, that is, the acid, and provides quick relief from things like heartburn and indigestion . Simply put, our stomach has an acid that helps digest food. Sometimes this acid is produced in excess, or it comes up into the throat . That's when we feel the burning sensation. An antacid neutralizes the excess acid. That is, it makes it less acidic. This gives us quick relief.
You can get this medication from a pharmacy without a prescription. It comes in liquid form and chewable tablets .
What symptoms are relieved by antacids?
If you have these symptoms, you may find temporary relief with an antacid.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Chest or stomach inflammation | Burning sensation in the middle of the chest, especially after eating or at night. |
| Sour taste in the mouth | A sour or bitter taste in the mouth due to stomach acid entering the throat. |
| Bloating or bloating | Feeling very full (bloated) after eating. |
| Delicate pain | Mild pain in the chest or stomach. |
What conditions are antacids used for?
Antacids are generally approved for occasional heartburn and indigestion , meaning they occur infrequently, not every day.
In addition, antacids can also temporarily help control the symptoms of conditions such as:
- Acid reflux ( GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
- Inflammation of the stomach wall (Gastritis)
- Stomach ulcers
The important thing is that antacids only temporarily suppress symptoms. They do not cure the underlying condition that is causing those symptoms.
These people should definitely consult a doctor before taking antacids!
Although most people can safely use antacids, if you belong to any of the following groups, you should definitely talk to your doctor before using antacids.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
- If you are taking other medications (antacids can interact with some medications).
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease .
- If you have heart failure or high blood pressure .
- If your doctor has advised you to follow a low-sodium diet .
- If given to a child under 12 years of age .
How should you use antacids?
You can take an antacid as soon as you start to feel symptoms of heartburn or indigestion. Otherwise, these symptoms usually peak about an hour after eating, so you can take it at that time.
Always follow the instructions on the medicine package. Dosages can vary between different types, so follow the label for how much and how often to take.
If you have these problems at night, you can take an antacid before going to bed. But don't take it with food at that time.
Most importantly: If you are experiencing these symptoms consistently, almost daily, without continuing to use antacids, definitely see your doctor to find out what is causing this.
Do antacids have side effects?
Serious side effects are rare with occasional use, but some side effects may occur with continued or excessive use.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Changes in the digestive system | Constipation or diarrhea. (This varies depending on the ingredients. For example, those containing calcium and aluminum may cause constipation, while those containing magnesium may cause diarrhea.) |
| Other | Headache, nausea, stomach pain, flatulence (gas). |
| Acid rebound | After stopping antacids, the body begins to produce more acid than before. |
| Effects on the nervous system (Neurotoxicity) | It can occur, especially in kidney patients, when using aluminum-containing antacids for a long time. |
| Osteopenia | Long-term use of aluminum-containing antacids can cause a decrease in phosphate levels in the body. |
| Increased calcium in the blood (Hypercalcemia) | It can occur with excessive and prolonged use of antacids containing calcium carbonate. |
Antacids and other medications
Antacids can interfere with the absorption of some other medications you are taking. So, if you are taking other medications, ask your doctor before taking an antacid. As a general rule, take an antacid one hour before or four hours after taking the other medication.
Antacids and alcohol
It's okay to take an antacid with alcohol. But remember, alcohol can irritate your stomach and make your symptoms worse. So it's best not to use both together.
Medicines that are similar to antacids but work differently
Not all medications for heartburn are antacids. There are some medications that work in a different way. These work by reducing the production of stomach acid. Antacids only neutralize the acid that is already there.
Some examples:
- Esomeprazole (Nexium®)
- Omeprazole (Prilosec®)
- Famotidine (Pepcid®)
- Pantoprazole (Protonix®)
These are medications that are usually prescribed by a doctor and used for a short period of time.
Take-Home Message
- Antacids are a type of medicine that provides quick, temporary relief from things like heartburn and indigestion. They do not cure the underlying condition.
- If you have frequent heartburn (more than twice a week), do not continue to use antacids and definitely see a doctor.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication for other conditions, or have another chronic medical condition (especially kidney disease), it is imperative to seek medical advice before taking an antacid.
- Always follow the dosage and instructions on the medicine package. Do not use too much.
- Antacids and medications like Omeprazole and Esomeprazole are two types. Your doctor will decide which is best for your symptoms.
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