Antacids are over-the-counter medications that help neutralize stomach acid. They work differently from other acid reducers such as H2-receptor blockers or proton pump inhibitors, which work by reducing or preventing the secretion of stomach acid. Antacids usually come as a liquid, chewable gummy or tablet, or tablet that you dissolve in water to drink. Antacids are distinct from acid-reducing drugs like H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors and they do not kill the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which causes most ulcers.
Mechanism of Action of Antacids
Indications of Antacids
- Heartburn
- Acid indigestion
- Sour stomach
- Upset stomach due to these symptoms
- Pressure and bloating commonly referred to as gas
- Acid reflux, which can include regurgitation, bitter taste, persistent dry cough, pain when you lie down, and trouble swallowing
- Heartburn which is a burning sensation in your chest or throat caused by acid reflux
- Indigestion, which is a pain in your upper gut that can feel like gas or bloating
- Antacids are available over the counter and are taken by mouth to quickly relieve occasional heartburn,
- The major symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease and also indigestion.
- Treatment with antacids alone is symptomatic and only justified for minor symptoms.
- Antacids are distinct from acid-reducing drugs like H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors and they do not kill the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which causes most ulcers
Contra-Indications of Antacids
- Kidney disease with a reduction in kidney function
- Diarrhea
- Low amount of phosphate in the blood
- Hemorrhoids
- Impacted Stool
- Stomach or Intestine Blockage
- Constipation
- Aluminum Poisoning
- Chronic Diarrhea
- Chronic heart failure
- Severe renal impairment
- Visible Water Retention
- Kidney Problems Causing a Decreased Amount of Urine to be Passed
- The high amount of sodium in the blood
Allergy to the following ingredient
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Magnesium
- Aluminum Containing Products
- Alginic Acid
Side Effects of Antacids
The most common
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe stomach ache
- epigastric pain
- diarrhea,
- anorexia,
- flatulence
- a headache,
- dizziness,
- fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
- confusion, hallucinations;
Common
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe stomach ache
- Severe diarrhea
- Mouth sores
- Vaginal thrush
- Skin rash
- A headache
Less common
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- increased or decreased appetite
- joint pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- Anxiety
- cold or flu-like symptoms
- constipation
- increased cough
- mental depression
- muscle pain
- rectal bleeding
Drug Interactions of Antacids
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using any of the following prescription and nonprescription/herbal products: phosphate supplements (e.g., potassium phosphate), sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Antacids can interfere with the absorption of many other drugs. Be sure to check with your pharmacist before taking antacids with any other medication.
Pregnancy & Lactation
FDA Pregnancy Catagory B
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