Sometimes, after eating a spicy meal, you get a burning sensation in your stomach or chest, right? Or you feel like your stomach is full, full of gas, and stuck. Today, we are going to talk about a type of chewable tablet that many of us buy from the pharmacy and use. Although these have different names like Tums and Maalox, the main ingredients in them are calcium carbonate and simethicone.
What really happens with this medicine?
This medicine has two main ingredients. They are Calcium Carbonate and Simethicone . These two do two things.
Simply put, the cause of your stomach inflammation, gastritis, etc. is the increase in the acidity of the stomach. This ingredient called calcium carbonate neutralizes that excess acid, which means it reduces the acidity and gives you quick relief. We call these antacids .
Now the other ingredient, which is Simethicone . Your stomach feels full and bloated when you have little air bubbles stuck in your digestive system. What Simethicone does is it helps to bind those little air bubbles together, turn them into big bubbles, and then they can be easily passed out of your body, either as a stool or in some other way.
So, this medicine will provide instant relief from your stomach ache and gas problem. But you should remember that this is only a temporary relief.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Although this is a medication that can be easily purchased at a pharmacy, it may not be suitable for some people. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, you should definitely talk to your doctor before using this medication.
- If you have constipation .
- If a doctor has told you that your blood calcium level is high .
- If you have kidney disease or kidney stones .
- If you have any other chronic stomach or intestinal disease.
- If you have allergies to this medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are a pregnant mother , expecting a baby , or a nursing mother .
Don't hide this kind of information from your doctor, because it could be dangerous to your health.
How should I use the medicine?
This is very simple. This is a chewable tablet. So , you should put the tablet in your mouth and swallow it whole . It is okay to take it with a little water. But the most important thing to remember is that this is not a daily medication . It is a medication that you should take only when you need it, especially when you have symptoms like heartburn and gas. Do not use more than the maximum dose on the packet.
What if you give it 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 .
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
If you are taking medication for another condition, you should be especially careful about this. These antacids can affect the absorption of other medications you are taking. Below are just a few examples.
| Type of medicine | Examples |
|---|---|
| Some antibiotics | Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Tetracycline |
| Thyroid hormones | Levothyroxine |
| Medicines for epilepsy | Phenytoin |
| Antifungals | Ketoconazole, Itraconazole |
| Other medications | Gabapentin, Captopril, Rosuvastatin, Sucralfate |
This is not a complete list, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
Side effects to watch out for when taking medication
Most people do not experience any major side effects from this medication, but it is good to be aware of the possible side effects.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of increased calcium in the blood | Frequent thirst , increased urination, nausea, vomiting, mental confusion, bone pain. |
| 🙂 Usually there is nothing to worry about, but if it persists, there are things you should tell your doctor. | |
| Burping | This is normal as the medicine works. |
| Constipation | It may happen to some people. |
| Slight stomach ache | May occur rarely. |
If your symptoms last more than two weeks, or if they get worse, stop using this medicine and see a doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine should only be used when you have symptoms like heartburn and gas. This is not a medicine to take daily.
- You should chew the pill well before swallowing.
- If you are taking any other medications (including vitamins), tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
- If your symptoms do not improve or worsen after taking the medicine for two weeks, be sure to see a doctor.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as swelling and difficulty breathing, go to a hospital immediately.
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