Antacids
What are antacids used for?
Antacids are medicines that treat:
- Indigestion or a burning pain in the middle of the chest called heartburn. Heartburn happens when acids from your stomach flow backward into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach.
- Pain caused by ulcers. Ulcers are irritated areas that develop in the lining of the stomach from infection or too much acid. Antacids may also help keep the ulcer from getting worse.
How do they work?
Antacids lower the amount of acid in your stomach or block the effect of the acid. Some antacid products contain additional medicines, such as simethicone, which helps get rid of bloating and gas.
What else do I need to know about this medicine?
- Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause and what you should do if you have side effects.
- Follow the directions that come with your medicine, including information about food or alcohol. Make sure you know how and when to take your medicine. Do not take more or less than you are supposed to take.
- Try to get all of your prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your medicines are safe to take together.
- Keep a list of your medicines with you. List all of the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all of the products you are taking.
If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.
Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2012.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2011-08-09
Last reviewed: 2011-08-05
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2012 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
