Antacids; How they Work, Antacids & Pregnancy, Types & Side Effects.

Antacids

Antacids are substances that counteract stomach acidity. They are taken by mouth to relieve:

Heartburn

Sour stomach

Acid indigestion

Gas

Symptoms of stomach and duodenal ulcers

Some antacids contain simethicone. Simethicone relieves the symptoms of excess gas. Those containing dimethicone will help reduce gas pains (flatulence). Some contain alginic acid. These help manage GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease).

Antacids that contain aluminium or magnesium work by neutralizing gastric acid in order to reduce acid damage.

Alginates such as sodium alginate work by forming a protective layer over the walls of the stomach and oesophagus.

Antacids should be used only for occasional relief of the stomach. They should not be used for more than 14 days unless under medical supervision.

If antacids are ineffective, medication such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors may relieve the symptoms.

H2 blockers may not relieve symptoms right away but they relieve symptoms for a longer period than antacids. Antacids can only provide fast short-term relief.

Proton pump inhibitors stop the body’s production of acid and require 1 to 4 days to work.

Poor response to medication may indicate an underlying medical condition.

Types of antacids include:

Aluminium hydroxide such as Amphojel, AlternaGEL

Magnesium hydroxide e.g. Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia

Aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide e.g. Maalox, Mylanta

Aluminium carbonates gel such as Basajel

Calcium carbonate: these include Tums, Titralac, and Calcium Rich Rolaids

Sodium bicarbonate such as Bicarbonate of soda

Hydrotalcite such as Talcid

Antacids and Pregnancy

Those who are pregnant or breast-feeding need to use antacids with care. Some may pass into breast milk but there is no evidence that the intake of antacids through breast milk causes problems to the babies.

Antacids should not be given to children under 6 years unless advised by the doctor.

Other Precautions

Aluminum may cause bone problems and Alzheimer's disease to get worse. Therefore, aluminium-containing antacids should not be used by elderly persons with such problems.

Diabetic patients should take a sugar-free preparation.