3 Liquid ulcer drugs and their effectiveness in relieving symptoms

When looking to buy an ulcer symptom reliever, have you ever doubted which type is the best? In general, there are two types of ulcer dosage forms, namely liquid and tablets which usually have to be chewed first. Both forms of medicine certainly have their respective advantages. So, what benefits will you get if you take ulcer medication in liquid form?

How do ulcer drugs work?

Ulcer is a group of symptoms caused by indigestion. In other words, ulcer is just a term to facilitate the description of various symptoms related to the digestive system, and not an actual disease.

Symptoms that indicate an ulcer usually include nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain, to chest pain as if burning. While various diseases that cause ulcers, namely GERD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach ulcers, bacterial infections, gastric inflammation (gastritis), and others.

It is important to understand, an ulcer that attacks is usually caused by an increase in acid production in the stomach. When the acid level in the digestive system exceeds normal limits, this condition can damage the lining of the stomach, intestines and esophagus.

As a result, inflammation occurs which is accompanied by the appearance of a variety of other ulcer symptoms. That is why you need ulcer medication to help relieve the symptoms.

There are several types of liquid ulcer drugs to choose from, namely antacids, sucralfate, and ranitidine. The three work together to neutralize the function of the stomach and digestive system as before.

In particular, antacid drugs can reduce acid production, neutralize acid in the stomach, as well as inhibit acid build-up into the esophagus.

Antacids can also inhibit the pepsin enzyme produced by the stomach. In fact, the enzyme pepsin is beneficial because it helps the stomach digest food.

However, the production of the enzyme pepsin can only be active in an acidic environment. This condition risks damaging the lining of the stomach, intestines, and esophagus if the levels are too much.

While sucralfate is not much absorbed through the digestive tract. The task of this drug is to treat the injured stomach lining, as well as protect it from exposure to various substances that can cause further infections.

On the other hand, ranitidine works to reduce acid production, as well as relieve problems in the stomach and throat. On this basis, ulcer medication in liquid form works to neutralize the condition of the digestive system as before.

What is the goodness of ulcer medicine in liquid form?

Actually, ulcer medicine in tablet or liquid form has the same content. Starting from calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, to magnesium hydroxide.

The only difference lies in the dosage form of the drug. Sometimes, ulcer drugs can also be given additional alginate to protect the lining of the esophagus, and simethicone to relieve flatulence.

All of these ingredients make ulcer medication, in liquid or tablet form, to work effectively to neutralize acid levels in the stomach.

Furthermore, what often becomes a question when choosing an ulcer drug is, is it better to choose liquid or solid ulcer medication to speed up healing?

Basically, liquid or solid ulcer drugs can both help relieve various complaints due to ulcers. However, because the shape is different, the process and ability of the body to absorb the ulcer medicine will automatically be different.

Liquid ulcer medication turns out to be faster and more effective than ulcer medication in tablet form. Generally, tablet medicines must be chewed first or can be swallowed immediately.

When taken by mouth and into the digestive system, the drug in liquid form seems more ready for duty thanks to its more absorbable ability.

That is why, the drug in liquid form works more effectively in balancing the acidic pH of the stomach. Supporting this, the Center for Human Drug Research in the Netherlands is looking for differences in the effectiveness of the two ulcer drug dosage forms.

Launching from the pages of the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research, the results of the research published in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that there were differences in the effect it gave.

A group of people who took liquid ulcer medication reported that ulcer symptoms improved in about 19 minutes. Meanwhile, in the other group who took ulcer medication, it took about 60 minutes to feel better.

Even so, there was no significant difference between the two groups after 3 hours of taking liquid or tablet ulcer medication.

What is the right way to take liquid ulcer medication?

Before taking liquid ulcer medication, you should shake the medicine bottle first. After that, just pour the liquid into the spoon or glass of medicine according to the recommended dosage.

Medicines in liquid form are best taken without being accompanied by other fluids, except plain water. Water plays a role in smoothing the flow of drugs into the body.

Ulcer medication is usually taken before meals and before bed according to their needs and conditions. Make sure you take ulcer medication according to the instructions or drinking rules from your doctor, pharmacist, or those listed on the drug packaging label.

Just like other medicines, ulcer drugs are also at risk of reacting with other types of drugs. Therefore, always tell your doctor or pharmacist about the type of medicine that you are regularly taking lately.

Also find out the schedule for taking the best medication. Especially when you have to take several types of medicine at once, in order to prevent health problems.

Don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Especially regarding the rules, dosage, or other information regarding the instructions for using ulcer drugs.

Avoid taking ulcer medication continuously for more than 2 weeks, unless recommended by your doctor. If ulcers or indigestion complaints do not improve for more than 1 week, immediately consult a doctor.

Here are the proper drinking rules for several types of liquid ulcer drugs:

1. Antacids

Antacids are usually used to relieve symptoms such as acid reflux, stomach pain, nausea, and inflammation of the esophagus, stomach and intestines.

An antacid type liquid ulcer medication can be taken on an empty stomach, or when the stomach fills up after eating. Ideally, you should take antacids a few hours before eating, or about 1 hour after eating.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist to find the best antacid taking schedule for your condition. In addition, it is important to convey if you are currently regularly taking other types of medicine.

The reason is, any drug is at risk of causing interactions with over-the-counter or prescription drugs, including antacids.

2. Sucralfate

Always make it a habit to shake the medicine bottle first before pouring it according to the dosage. Sucralfate is consumed to relieve symptoms of acid reflux, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Sucralfate can be taken on an empty stomach 2-4 times a day as directed by your doctor. This medicine is usually taken 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals.

Sucralfate is safe to drink for 4-8 weeks. Sucralfate is not recommended to be taken for more than 8 weeks continuously. Follow your doctor's drinking rules, and don't stop without your doctor's prior approval.

3. Ranitidine

Ranitidine is often used to treat health problems related to the stomach and esophagus. For example, increased stomach acid, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, and others.

Similar to some previous types of liquid ulcer drugs, ranitidine can also be taken before or after meals, or even before bed. Either on an empty stomach or filled with food.

The doctor or pharmacist will usually explain the rules for taking and the dosage of the drug ranitidine. Normally, this drug can be taken 1-2 times a day.

However, in some cases, ranitidine can be prescribed about 4 times a day depending on your medical condition. Follow all medication instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist.

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