But what exactly are antacids, you might ask? And how can they be used to help alleviate issues like indigestion and heartburn? That’s what we’re here to find out.
What are antacids?
Antacids are a group of medicines often used to help relieve symptoms of heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux. They work by neutralising excess acid content of your stomach, thanks to their active ingredients.
Take Rennie® Peppermint, for example. This is an antacid that contains two key ingredients: calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.
It offers fast, relief from heartburn and acid reflux, helping convert excess stomach acid into water and other natural substances. This process can provide effective relief from the symptoms of heartburn – an extremely common issue that affects up to 25% of adults in the UK.
Antacids are also readily available from pharmacies and local retailers (e.g supermarkets) in liquid or chewable tablet form and can be purchased without a prescription.
How do antacids work?
When we eat, our stomach naturally produces acid to aid digestion and help make sure any nasty germs or harmful bacteria are eliminated. However, since this acid is also very strong, it needs to remain in our stomach.
Under normal circumstances, our bodies are able to manage this thanks to a large muscular band at the top of the stomach, known as the lower oesophageal sphincter. This valve allows food to pass from your oesophagus into your stomach, where digestion can continue.
When the acidic stomach contents travel back up into the oesophagus, this is known as acid reflux, and can lead to heartburn and other symptoms of indigestion.
As alkali substances (the opposite of acids), antacids work by neutralising excess acid in your stomach, helping to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms you might experience caused or made worse by:
- Certain foods or drinks (such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate or fatty and spicy foods)
- Feeling stressed or anxious
- Pregnancy**
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Taking certain medications (such as ibuprofen)
What conditions do antacids treat?
Antacids are used to provide relief from symptoms caused by excess stomach acid, including indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux.
How and when to take antacids
The dose of antacid you’ll need depends on a few key factors, including your age and when you’re experiencing symptoms.
For example, Rennie® Peppermint is only suitable for adults and children over 12 years old and should ideally be taken:
- One hour after meals
- One hour before going to bed
- During instances of heartburn or gastric pain
Do not exceed the maximum daily dose of ten tablets. If symptoms persist for more than 14 days, you should consult your doctor.
As with all medication, it’s important to check the instructions on the packaging or leaflet to ensure the product is suitable for you and that you are taking the correct dose and frequency.
Depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms, your doctor or pharmacist will be able to provide you with tailored advice on whether an alternative form of treatment is needed.
Antacid interactions to be aware of
While you can purchase most forms of antacids over-the-counter at pharmacies or your local supermarket, it is important to be aware that antacids can affect how well some other medicines work. For this reason, you should avoid taking other medicines within 2–4 hours of taking an antacid.
To find out whether an antacid is right for you, reach out to your local pharmacist or doctor. By discussing your symptoms, they can recommend the most suitable treatment plan for your exact needs and help you find effective relief.
Antacids, like Rennie® Peppermint, are a type of medicine often used to help relieve symptoms of indigestion, acid reflux and heartburn. Keep scrolling to learn more about each of these conditions and what causes them in the first place.
**Medicines can affect the unborn baby. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy.
TIPS & ADVICE
A busy life can be hard on the stomach and anyone can be affected by heartburn, indigestion or trapped wind at some point. But if you often find yourself in discomfort, sometimes just a few simple changes to your lifestyle can really help to ease those uncomfortable symptoms.
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