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Home >
Prescription Drug Guide
> Antacids
Antacids are over the counter (sometimes
prescription) medications that are used to eliminate
upset stomach, sour stomach, indigestion and
heartburn. A number of antacids and related remedies
are available without prescription from pharmacies
and supermarkets around the world.
In most cases, antacids are divided into two
classes, those that act by absorption of the acid
(non-absorbable antacids) and those that work by
chemical neutralization of gastric acid.
If you are required to take medicine for indigestion
regularly, more than 3 times a week you should
consider discussing your symptoms with your doctor.
If you’ve had these symptoms for more than a couple
of weeks, or have signs of stomach ulcers (severe
stomach pains or cramps, black tar like stools,
vomit containing blood) you should also see your
doctor.
The symptoms that people experience from indigestion
and heartburn are caused by acid in the stomach
either leaking back up the gullet (esophagus) or
irritating the stomach lining. Antacids that contain
aluminum or magnesium work by neutralizing the
stomach acid and usually contain magnesium aluminum.
Alginates, such as sodium alginate, are another
common ingredient of indigestion or heartburn
remedies. These work by forming a protective coating
over the walls of the stomach and gullet.
Popular antacids that you’ve probably heard of are
Alterna Gel, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, Basajel,
Rolaids, Alka-Seltzer and Talcid. While the
ingredients within each vary, their purpose is
basically the same.
As with everything, there are a few risks of using
antacids. Aluminum Hydroxide can lead to the
formation of insoluble aluminum phosphate-complexes.
Magnesium Hydroxide has laxative properties and
Magnesium may accumulate in patients with renal
failure. Antacids containing Calcium may increase
calcium output in urine which can be associated with
renal stones and calcium salts can cause obstipation.
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