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

Sometimes, after eating a heavy meal, especially when you eat a dish that has been seasoned with oil, chili, or a little bit of chili, you may have felt a burning sensation in your chest, a discomfort that seems to be coming from inside your stomach, right? We call this "gastritis" or "stomach inflammation". Along with this, many people also have a problem with feeling full and bloated. So today we are talking about a common liquid medicine that we use a lot at times like this.

What is this medicine? Let's understand it simply.

This is actually a combination of three main things. They are Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Hydroxide, and Simethicone. While these names may sound a bit scientific, what they do is very simple.

Imagine that your stomach has too much acid. That excess acid is what causes the burning and discomfort.

• Calcium Carbonate and Magnesium Hydroxide: These two neutralize the excess stomach acid. To be precise, they reduce the acidity. We call these types of medicines antacids . When you use these, the burning sensation decreases quickly and you feel relief.
• Simethicone: This does something different. Its job is to break up the gas bubbles that have accumulated in your stomach. Then, that feeling of fullness and tightness in your stomach will go away.

Simply put, this medicine provides a one-stop solution to both your stomach inflammation and gas.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Although this is a medicine that can be easily purchased at a pharmacy, if you have any medical conditions, you should definitely talk to a doctor before using it, as this medicine may interact with those conditions.

• If you have kidney disease: This is very important. Since the kidneys cannot properly filter and remove magnesium from the body, the magnesium in this medicine can accumulate in the body. That is not a good thing.
• If you have high blood calcium levels: Since this medicine also contains calcium, the levels may increase further.
• If you are on a diet low in magnesium: If a doctor has given you such advice, be sure to tell them before taking this medicine.
• If you have other stomach or intestinal problems.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in this medicine or to any other medicine, food, or dye.

When you talk to your doctor about these things, he or she will decide whether this medication is right for you or not, or whether you should consider another option.

How exactly do I use this medicine?

To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.

• Shake well: Since this is a liquid medication, you should shake the bottle well before using it. This will help mix the ingredients well and ensure that you get the right amount in each dose you take.
• Correct measurement: Use only the measuring cup or special spoon that comes with the medicine bottle. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons. They are not accurate.
• When to take: Antacids are usually taken after meals and at bedtime. However, if your doctor advises otherwise, follow that advice.
• If given to children: Although children over 12 years of age can use this for some conditions, ask your doctor about it and only do so on his advice .

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

If you think you have taken too much medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with others.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

This is a very important point. This antacid can reduce the absorption of some other medications you are taking. This means that the effects of other medications may be reduced. Therefore, if you are using any of the following medications, you should tell your doctor about it.

• Some antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin, tetracycline)
• Iron supplements
• Medicines for fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole)
• Osteoporosis medications
• Medicines for seizures
• Thyroid medication
• Other magnesium-containing medications

Things to be careful about when using the medicine

• If your symptoms (heartburn, gas) do not improve or worsen, see a doctor immediately.
• If you experience severe stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, or blood in your stool, it could be a sign of a serious condition. So seek medical advice immediately.
• Drink several glasses of water a day to help prevent constipation.

How do you safely store and dispose of medication?

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Do not use expired medicine.

If you are getting rid of expired or no longer needed medications, check the label to see if they can be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your doctor. If they can be thrown in the trash, pour the liquid out of the container and mix it with something like cat litter, soil, or coffee grounds, put it in a tightly sealed bag or container, and throw it in the trash.

Stomach inflammation, gastritis, gas, antacid, Antacid, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone, heartburn, indigestion, Mylanta, liquid medicine