Antacids

Know More about Antacids

Antacids are medicines that can be helpful for relieving heartburn and indigestion, and they’re available over-the-counter in a variety of forms including liquids, tablets, chewables, and capsules. All of these types of antacids are available for purchase in stores or online at Walgreens, so you can choose the antacid that’s best for you based on your needs and preferences.

What are antacids?

Antacids are a type of medicine that can treat heartburn and indigestion by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. It’s usually best to take antacids about one hour after eating a meal or when you’re experiencing heartburn. Liquid antacids typically work faster than chewables and tablets, but some people prefer chewables because they may be easier to use. Dosages will vary, so remember to read the label on the package and follow the instructions. Different antacids may cause different side effects, so if you find yourself experiencing uncomfortable side effects, speak with your healthcare provider.

What do antacids do?

Antacids neutralize stomach acid to reduce symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. There are different active ingredients in antacids. Some of the most common are magnesium, aluminum, calcium, and sodium. Some antacids may combine some of these ingredients. All of these varieties of antacids can be purchased in stores or online at Walgreens, so consult with a pharmacist if you have questions about the best antacids for you.

Are antacids safe?

Antacids are generally safe for most people, but there are some things to keep in mind when using these medicines. Some people may experience side effects, such as constipation, diarrhea, gas, and headaches. Antacids can interact with some other medicines by affecting how they are absorbed, so always speak with your healthcare provider before using antacids if you’re on other medications or have any health conditions. While it is usually safe to use antacids while pregnant and breastfeeding, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to make sure this is the best choice for you. Children over age 12 can generally take antacids at the proper dose under adult supervision, but these medicines are not usually recommended for infants and very young children.

What causes acid reflux?

People have a band of muscles around the bottom of the throat that relaxes to allow food and liquids into the stomach and closes again after this. Acid reflux usually occurs when this band of muscles becomes weak or is not working properly, causing stomach acids to flow back into the throat. Some conditions and behaviors can increase your risk of acid reflux, such as obesity, pregnancy, smoking, eating very large meals, and taking certain medications. Antacids may help relieve symptoms of acid reflux for some people, so speak with a healthcare provider or pharmacist at Walgreens if you’d like to try antacids for acid reflux.

How do antacids work?

Antacids contain ingredients that reduce the acidity in the stomach, which can help reduce the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion for many people. Depending on your personal preferences, you may choose to use liquids, chewables, tablets, or capsules with different active ingredients. With so many choices available at Walgreens, you can always ask for help from a pharmacist in store or speak with a pharmacy expert 24/7 online with Walgreens pharmacy chat.