Antacids (antacids) are drugs to relieve symptoms due to heartburn or acid reflux disease. Antacids are available in the form of chewable tablets and liquid suspensions which can generally be purchased over the counter without a prescription.
Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid. This drug only works when stomach acid levels increase. That way, complaints due to rising stomach acid, such as heartburn, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or flatulence will subside.
Antacids can act quickly within minutes of being taken. Please note that this drug is only used to relieve complaints or symptoms and not to cure disease.
Antacids can be used alone or in combination with other medications to relieve symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, or gastritis. The following are some drugs that belong to the antacid group:
- Aluminum hydroxide
- Calcium carbonate
- Magnesium carbonate
- Magnesium trisilicate
- Magnesium hydroxide
In some ulcer drug products, antacids are also sometimes mixed with other drugs, such as simethicone or alginate.
Antacid trademarks: Antacids Doen, Biogastron, Dexanta, Gastran, Promag, Gastromag, Gestrig, Konimag, Magaside, Magtral, Mylanta, Polysilane, Simeco
What are Antacids
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | Antacids |
| Benefit | Neutralize stomach acid |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Antacids for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not yet categorized. For pregnant and lactating women, antacids are considered safe as long as their use is still in accordance with the recommended dosage. As much as possible do not use the drug without a doctor's advice. |
| Drug form | Suspension, chewable tablets |
Warnings Before Taking Antacids
Although classified as an over-the-counter drug, the use of antacids to treat complaints due to increased stomach acid should not be done arbitrarily. Some things to note before using this drug are:
- Do not take antacids if you are allergic to these drugs and the ingredients in them.
- Talk to your doctor about using antacids for children under 12 years of age.
- Consult your doctor first if you have or have ever had kidney disease, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), colitis, or liver disease, such as cirrhosis.
- Talk to your doctor about using antacids if you have diarrhea, constipation, or are on a low-salt diet.
- Consult your doctor before taking antacids if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Talk to your doctor about using antacids if you are taking certain medications, herbal products, or supplements.
- Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to drugs or overdose after taking antacids.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Antacids
Read the instructions for use listed on the packaging when taking antacids. One of the antacid products containing 200 mg aluminum hydroxide and 200 mg magnesium hydroxide with chewable tablet preparations can be taken 1-2 tablets, 3-4 times a day. For antacid drugs in the form of a suspension, you can take 1-2 tablespoons, 3-4 times a day. If in doubt, discuss with your doctor to get the dose and duration of treatment that suits your condition.
How to Take Antacids Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use listed on the packaging before taking antacids.
Take chewable antacid tablets by chewing the tablet before swallowing, and drinking water afterward. For suspension antacids, shake the medicine bottle before use. Use the measuring spoon provided in the package.
Antacids in the form of chewable tablets or suspension are taken when symptoms appear or feel like they will appear. Antacids can be taken with or immediately after meals.
If you forget to take it, it is advisable to consume it immediately if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
If you are taking certain medications on a regular basis, allow 2–4 hours after taking antacids.
Store antacids at room temperature. Do not store it in a humid place or in direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Antacid Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some of the effects of drug interactions that may occur when taking antacids together with other medicines:
- Impaired absorption of tetracycline, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, ketoconazole, levothyroxine, rifampicin, chlorpromazine, cefdinir, cefpodoxime, rosuvastatin, iron, or vitamin supplements
- Decreased effect of the drug polystyrene sulphonate or the drug velpatasvir
- Increased absorption of drugs containing citric acid
- Increased clearance of salicylate drugs
Side Effects and Dangers of Antacids
In general, antacid use can cause mild side effects, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Bloated
- Nausea and vomiting
- stomach cramps
- Constipation
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as swelling of the lips or eyelids, an itchy rash on the skin, or difficulty breathing.