Antacids are medicines that neutralize the acid in your stomach to relieve indigestion and heartburn. They come in liquid or chewable tablet form and can be bought without a prescription from pharmacies and shops. Some common types of antacids include aluminum hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium trisilicate, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate. Here are some uses of antacids in our daily life:
- Relieving indigestion and heartburn: Antacids can quickly relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) for a few hours.
- Treating stomach ulcers and gastritis: Antacids can also help if you have a stomach ulcer or gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) .
- Relieving gas and bloating: Some antacids, such as those containing simethicone, can help break up gas bubbles in the gut and relieve bloating and feelings of pressure/discomfort in the stomach/gut.
- Treating other conditions: Antacids can also be used to treat stress gastritis, pancreatic insufficiency, non-ulcer dyspepsia, diarrhea caused by bile-acid, biliary reflux, constipation, osteoporosis, urinary alkalinization, and phosphate binding in chronic renal failure.
Its important to note that antacids do not treat the underlying cause of these conditions, and long-term use is not recommended. If you find that you need to take antacids regularly, its best to speak to a GP to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and find a more appropriate treatment plan. Additionally, antacids can cause side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, and changes in the way your body absorbs other medicines, so its important to read the instructions carefully and talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
