Which antacid should you choose?
Figuring out which antacid will help you find relief from heartburn is not always easy. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice. However, before using any over-the-counter drug, be sure to consult your pharmacist for help in assessing your symptoms and advice on the most suitable product for you.
What are antacids?
They are medicines that can help alleviate heartburn and acide reflux (gastric reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Which antacid should you choose for rapid relief of acid reflux or sour stomach?
Alginate
Antacids that contain alginate are very effective at easing acid reflux. Products that combine alginate with aluminum, calcium or magnesium (e.g. Gaviscon), create a foam barrier on top of the stomach contents and protect the esophagus from contact with gastric acid.
Stomach acid neutralizers
These antacids relieve both acid reflux and sour stomach by temporarily neutralizing the gastric acid already produced in the stomach. They are generally formulated with one or more of the following salts: calcium, aluminum or magnesium.
Antacids that contain only calcium
Antacids that contain only calcium carbonate (e.g. Tums) provide effective short-term relief. If, however, you take them several times a day or on a regular basis, they can cause what is known as “acid rebound,” a return of symptoms even more intense than prior to taking the medicine.
Antacids that contain both aluminum and magnesium
Antacids that contain both aluminum and magnesium (e.g. Diovol Plus) have the advantage of providing rapid relief of sour stomach and acid reflux by neutralizing gastric acid. Acid neutralizers generally work from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the person and the amount of gastric acid produced.
Which antacid should you choose for long-term relief of acid reflux or sour stomach?
Some products provide long-lasting relief, but not immediately.
H2 antagonists
H2 antagonists, such as ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid) act directly on the cells of the stomach to reduce the quantity of acid produced and are effective for both sour stomach and acid reflux. H2 antagonists start to work after about one hour.
Choose a product that contains:
- 75 mg of ranitidine (for 4 to 13 hours of relief)
- 10 mg of famotidine (for 10 to 12 hours of relief)
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPI)
Ingredients to avoid
Products containing a salicylate, such as bismuth subsalicylate, (e.g. Pepto-Bismol or Stomak-Care) or acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Alka-Seltzer) provide limited effectiveness.
They can also interact with other medications, including certain anticoagulants, antibiotics or diabetes medicine. In addition, they should never be administered to children under the age of 18.
Follow the dosing instructions
Some antacids may look and even taste like candy, but, as Diane Lamarre points out, they must be treated as medicine. It is important to always follow the dosing instructions and pay special attention to the concentration of the product you are using. Remember that there are regular formulas (15 to 30 ml in liquid form or 1 to 4 tablets) and concentrated formulas (10 ml in liquid form or 1 to 2 tablets).
When should you take an antacid?
When taking an antacid, timing is everything. For digestion to occur, the body needs to produce gastric acid. This is why you should wait at least one hour after eating before taking it. Bedtime is another perfect time to take an antacid, since it will have the chance to provide substantive relief.
Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about antacids or over the counter medications.
Source :
Distinguer reflux gastriques et brûlures d'estomac, Protégez-Vous, November 2012 (In French only)
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* The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.