Antacids

What is Antacid for?

Antacids are a group of medicines which work by lowering the acidity in your stomach. This will relieve symptoms of heartburn, gastric reflux and indigestion. These medicines may be available over-the-counter without a prescription. Antacids may be found in either liquid or tablet form. They may contain ingredients such as:

• Aluminum
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Sodium bicarbonate

How should I take or use Antacid?

• Take a dose when necessary to relieve symptoms of heartburn, gastric reflux or indigestion
• Do not take more than four doses in one day
• You may take this medicine before or after food
• Tablet forms should be chewed before swallowing for faster relief of symptoms
• Liquid forms should be shaken well before taking

What should I do if I forget to take or use Antacid?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Antacid?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medicine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• You have a history of liver disease, kidney disease or heart failure
• You are taking or intend to take any other medicines, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Antacid?

This medicine may lower the absorption of medicines such as:

• Antibiotics
• Osteoporosis medicines
• Medicines to treat low thyroid level

Antacids must be taken apart from these medicines by two hours.

What are some common side effects of Antacid?

• Antacids containing aluminum may cause constipation
• If this happens, use an antacid that does not contain aluminium instead
• Antacids containing magnesium may cause diarrhoea
• If this happens, use an antacid that does not contain magnesium instead

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Antacid?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

How do I throw away Antacid safely?

Pack this medicine into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

What else should I know about Antacid?

Signs that your condition may require further medical attention include:

• Shortness of breath, hoarseness, wheezing, teeth erosion and ear infection
• Pain on swallowing, swallowing difficulty, blood in the stools or vomit, chest pain, unintended weight loss and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Heartburn symptoms occurring for more than 3 times a week with significant impact on quality of life
• Heartburn symptoms continuing for more than 2 weeks despite self-treatment
• Heartburn symptoms continuing for over 3 months regardless of self-treatment
• You are over 40 years old and experiencing heartburn symptoms for the first time