Antacids: Relieve Your Stomach Aches the Right Way

The purpose of antacid tablets can be figured out from their name. These medications neutralize/reduce excess stomach acids and can relieve various conditions that come as a result of that excess. In other words, these medications are used to relive an uspet stomach, heartburn or acid indigestion that can come as a consequence of too much stomach acid. Moreover, antiacids are helpful for relieving symptoms caused by extra gas. These include belching, bloating and feeling of discomfort or pressure in the stomach or gut. A number of these medications help break up gas bubbles in the gut, and aluminium and magnesium antacid tablets lower the acid level in the stomach.

What is additionally important to know about antacid tablets is that they only affect the existing acid found in the stomach and don’t prevent acid production in the process. Antacid medications can be taken alone or combined. For instance, they can be prescribed together with H2 blockers such as cimetidine or ranitidine, and with proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole.

Most often, antacid tablets are taken orally. when it comes to what time of the day is most suitable, it is recommended to take them after meals and before bedtime if needed. All of the instructions and recommendations on the package should be followed, along with the directions given by your doctor. There are also chewable tablets that do the same job as the ones mentioned above. You simply need to chew them thoroughly before swallowing, and after that, you need to drink a full glass of water, that is somewhere around 240 millilitres. And remember, each time you feel uncertain, consult with your pharmacist or doctor in order to make sure that you are taking the medication the right way.

There are various antacid compounds that come with different benefits. Like for instance:

• Calcium Carbonate – quick relief, stops gastric fluids from being refluxed back into the esophagus, good source of calcium;
• Magnesium Hydroxide– quick relief, little absorption, prolonged action, no generation of carbon dioxide;
• Sodium Bicarbonate – quick relief;
• Aluminium Hydroxide – effective at providing relief, long shelf-life.

In case your stomach acid problems continue or get worse after you have taken this type of medication for one week straight, or if are in doubt whether you have a more serious medical problem, you need to seek additional medical attention. When the problem is present for longer than two weeks, even after you have taken the medication, it is possible that you require a different treatment.