Antacids are drugs for stomach acid, how do they work?

Have you ever heard of antacid drugs? Antacids are drugs that are usually used to relieve acid reflux due to ulcer symptoms and GERD. Whether you realize it or not, maybe you or someone closest to you have used this one drug. Antacids are not sold under the same name, but under several different types of trademarks. Want to know more about antacid drugs? Check out the following review, yes!

Antacids are drugs to treat stomach acid

Normally, the organs involved in the human digestive system actually have their own protective mechanisms against acidic liquids. Unfortunately, the production of acid produced by the stomach can sometimes exceed normal levels, causing damage to the digestive organs.

The acid level can reach a pH of 2-3, where the smaller the number, the greater the acidity. Even though at normal levels, acid should play a role in helping the process of digesting protein.

For example, the lining of the stomach, intestines and esophagus. As a result, there will be inflammation and irritation which indicates medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers.

Well, one effort that can be done to overcome the increase in stomach acid is to use antacid drugs. So, it can be concluded that antacids are drugs that function to neutralize stomach acid levels.

What are the types of antacid drugs?

Antacids are one of the over the counter (OTC) drugs, aka free. This means that you can easily get this drug at a pharmacy without having to redeem a doctor's prescription first.

Before buying it, you should first pay attention to the antacid dosage form according to your needs. The various choices of antacid dosage forms are as follows:

Antacids in liquid form.
Antacids in the form of chewable tablets.
Antacids in water soluble tablet form.

While examples of antacid drug brands include, Maalox, Rolaids, Tums, Alka-Seltzer, Mylanta, Gaviscon, Gelusil, Pepto-Bismol, and Alternagel.

What are the benefits of antacid drugs?

The main benefit of antacids is their ability to help neutralize stomach acid levels. This drug works effectively to treat various symptoms related to increased stomach acid, namely:

Pain in the chest like burning (heartburn), which can also flow up the esophagus.
Discomfort in the body, especially when lying down.
Indigestion, which causes stomach pain or discomfort, feeling full and bloated with gas, to excessive belching.

This is because antacids contain a number of ingredients, such as aluminum carbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, and sodium bicarbonate, which are alkaline. Not only that.

Several types of antacids also contain simethicone and alginate. Simethicone is a substance that can help reduce excess gas in the body.

Meanwhile, the alginate in antacids is a substance that does more to help relieve symptoms due to acid reflux. A number of these ingredients will help reduce the increase in stomach acid production.

It is important to underline, antacid drugs only work to control or neutralize the amount of acid in the stomach. However, antacids cannot help prevent stomach acid production.

All types of antacids that are available in the market are basically the right choice to relieve complaints related to stomach acid. However, the differences in the ingredients present in each antacid drug can determine several things.

This includes the length of time the drug was started, the length of time the drug has continued to work, and the possible interactions and compatibility with other drugs.

How do I take antacids?

The rules for taking antacids are the same as for other types of drugs, namely according to the instructions on the drug packaging. Also obey the drinking instructions given by your pharmacist or doctor.

For example, if the antacid you are taking is in the form of chewable tablets, try to chew it until it is smooth then continue with drinking a glass of water. If the medicine is in liquid form, you should shake the medicine bottle before pouring it over the measuring spoon.

Antacids can be taken 1 hour before meals or 1 hour after meals. This drug is safe to drink on an empty stomach or filled with food.

What are the possible side effects of antacid drugs?

Side effects that arise from antacids are actually very rare if you take them according to the rules. Usually, new side effects will appear when consumed in excessive doses, or for a longer time than recommended.

Some of the possible side effects of antacids are as follows:

Diarrhea
Constipation or constipation
Stomach cramps
Nausea
Gag
Excess calcium levels
Bloating

Taking antacid drugs in doses too high, even for a long period of time, can also result in an increase in acid levels. This condition usually occurs when acid production increases after eating and drinking.

Pay attention to this before taking antacid drugs

Antacids are basically safe for anyone to drink. With a note, if you have certain medical conditions, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor first.

For example, for people with heart failure, it is usually recommended to limit sodium intake to prevent fluid buildup. It is different for people who have kidney failure, are at risk of experiencing a buildup of aluminum levels and problems with increased electrolyte levels after taking antacid drugs.

Some examples of these medical conditions should be presented to your doctor or pharmacist. So, you will be given the type of antacid drug or other drug options that suit your health condition.

In addition, don't forget to tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are regularly taking certain types of drugs. This is because antacids have the risk of causing interactions with various types of drugs. Whether it's over-the-counter drugs, or prescription drugs.