Antacids, or antacids, are drugs that reduce the acidity of gastric juice by neutralizing hydrochloric acid. The history of their use in medicine goes back over 100 years. By their chemical nature, antacids are bases that react with hydrochloric acid to form chlorides, water and sometimes carbon dioxide.

Currently, a wide range of antacids is presented on the Russian pharmacological market, the main components of which are sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide and phosphate, citrate, carbonate, magnesium oxide and hydroxide. Currently used antacids differ in the speed of the onset of the effect, its duration, as well as the ability to have a systemic effect and form carbon dioxide in the stomach. Antacids are classified as water-soluble and insoluble.

Sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate dissolve in water, act quickly, and carbon dioxide is formed, which causes distension of the stomach and stimulates the secondary hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid (ricochet syndrome). Sodium bicarbonate, due to its solubility in water, is able to be absorbed and have a systemic effect; with prolonged and excessive use of this antacid, acidosis can develop. The main soluble antacids are given in table. 1.

Compounds of magnesium and aluminum do not dissolve in water, they differ in a slower onset of effect compared to sodium and calcium salts with longer exposure. In addition, the buffering capacity of magnesium and aluminum compounds is higher than that of sodium and calcium salts. These compounds are practically not absorbed into the bloodstream and partially absorb toxins. In large quantities, magnesium salts have a laxative effect, aluminum - locking. The main insoluble antacids are given in table. 2.

Unlike absorbed antacids, prolonged use of nonabsorbable drugs does not lead to the development of the rebound phenomenon. The mechanism of this phenomenon may be due to the fact that nonabsorbable antacids not only neutralize hydrochloric acid, but also absorb pepsin, which leads to suppression of the biosynthesis of hydrochloric acid. The mechanism of action, characteristic of non-absorbable drugs, is slower than the binding of hydrochloric acid, but the effect persists for a longer time.

In recent years, complexes containing several compounds have been increasingly used as antacids. Thanks to this, it is possible to vary the rate of onset of the therapeutic effect, the duration of the drug's effect, and also to minimize its side effects. In addition, some modern drugs also have a gastroprotective effect due to the special additives they contain.

The area of ​​clinical application of antacids is acid-dependent stomach diseases (peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, gastroesophageal reflux disease), esophagitis, "hunger" pains, heartburn in practically healthy people. Usually, antacids are used as a symptomatic remedy for the treatment of heartburn, however, a course prescription of drugs can also be recommended - 1.5 hours after a meal or at night.

In recent years, evidence has appeared that in some cases it is advisable to prescribe antacids for hyperacid gastritis, even if its development is associated with Helicobacter pylori... Preliminary hypoacid therapy allows you to further increase the effectiveness of eradication H. pylori, to reduce the damaging effect of hydrochloric acid on the mucous membranes of the stomach.

In the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, antacids are essentially the only drugs that have a positive effect on the patient's condition and have a long-term therapeutic effect. The use of antacids as monotherapy leads not only to the relief of clinical symptoms of the disease, but also to the reduction of the morphological substrate of reflux disease. As a result of therapy, dyspeptic syndrome completely disappears in patients.

Below is a brief description of some complex antacid drugs.

Maalox is a complex antacid preparation, contains a gel of aluminum and magnesium hydroxide, has an increased buffer capacity. Available in the form of tablets, suspension or powder. Administered orally, 1-2 tablets (after chewing), or 1 tablespoon of the suspension, or the contents of 1 packet per dose. Prolonged use may cause vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. A contraindication to the appointment is severe renal failure. Maalox is not prescribed together with tetracyclines.

Almagel and Almagel A are complex highly effective antacids. Produced in the form of a suspension of aluminum and magnesium hydroxide. Also contain D-sorbitol. They are a viscous liquid. They have an enveloping effect. They are used not only for the symptomatic treatment of hyperacid conditions, but also for gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, esophagitis. D-sorbitol promotes bile secretion and has a laxative effect. Anesthesin, which is part of Almagel A, has an analgesic effect, which allows the drug to be used for pain in the epigastric region. In case of hyperacid conditions, drugs are prescribed 1-2 tablespoons per reception, the same dosage is used for course treatment, drugs are prescribed 2-3 times a day. Side effects: constipation, overdose, drowsiness. Contraindications to the appointment: taking sulfa drugs, severe renal impairment.

Phosphalugel contains aluminum phosphate, pectin gel and agar-agar. Available in plastic bags. 1-2 packets are prescribed for the appointment, while they are either washed down with a small amount of liquid, or diluted in 1/2 cup of boiled water. Side effects and contraindications are the same as for Almagel.

Gastal is a complex drug that does not affect the acid-base balance. It is produced in the form of tablets containing aluminum hydroxide gel, magnesium carbonate and hydroxide. At the reception, 1-2 tablets are prescribed, which should be sucked slowly. Side effects: nausea, constipation, diarrhea. Contraindications: intolerance to the drug or its components, severe renal failure.

Gelusil is a preparation in the form of tablets or powders containing aluminum-magnesium silicate hydrate. At the reception, 1 tablet is prescribed (chewed) or 1 sachet of powder (dissolved in 1/4 cup of boiled water). Contraindications: severe renal failure, hypersensitivity to drug components.

Talcid - tablets containing aluminum-magnesium hydroxycarbonate. The usual dosage is 1-2 tablets. Side effects: diarrhea, loose stools. Contraindications: not prescribed for children under 6 years of age, in case of impaired renal excretory function.

Literature

1. Koltsov PA, Zadionchenko VS Pharmacotherapy of chronic diseases of the digestive system. - M .: M-Oko, 2001, p. 7-12.
2. Lapina TL, Ivashkin VT Modern approaches to the treatment of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. - Library of the Russian medical journal. Diseases of the digestive system, 2001, vol. 3, no. 1, p. 10-15.
3. Lapina TL Hyperacid conditions: principles of treatment. - Consilium medicum, 2001, vol. 3, no. 6, p. 251-255.
4. Minushkin ON The place of modern antacids in the treatment of acid-related diseases. - Attending Physician, 2001, No. 5-6, p. 8-10.
5. Nurmukhamedova EA Antacids and H2-receptor antagonists in the treatment of heartburn. - Consilium provisorum, 2001, vol. 1, no. 2, p. 10-14.
6. Sheptulin AA Modern principles of pharmacotherapy of peptic ulcer disease - Clinical medicine, 1996, No. 8, p. 17-18.
7. Furu K., Straume B. Use of antacids in a general population. - J. Clin. Epideiol. 1999. V. 52. N. 6. P. 509-516.
8. Maton P. N., Burton M. E. Antacides revisited: a review of their clinical pharmacology and recommended therapeutic use. - Drugs 1999. V. 57. N. 6. P. 855-870.

Note!

• Antacids, or antacids, are drugs that reduce the acidity of gastric juice by neutralizing hydrochloric acid
• In recent years, complexes containing several compounds are increasingly used as antacids.
• Currently used antacids differ in the speed of the onset of the effect, its duration, as well as the ability to have a systemic effect and form carbon dioxide in the stomach.
• The area of ​​clinical application of antacids is acid-dependent stomach diseases, esophagitis, "hunger" pains, heartburn in practically healthy people.

Antacids can be called "first aid" for heartburn. And since heartburn is a frequent companion of diseases of the digestive tract and the problem of most modern people with a fast pace of life, many of us get acquainted with antacids. What are the drugs in this category, what is their mechanism of action and which drugs are considered the most effective, read the article.

What are antacids?

Let's figure out what the term "antacid" means. The term "antacid" is formed by two words: "acidus" means "sour", and "ντι" is translated from Greek as "against." Antacids are designed to eliminate, neutralize the acid present in gastric juice. At the same time, they can have an enveloping effect, due to which they protect the gastric mucosa from aggressive hydrochloric acid. This ensures faster recovery of damage to the inner lining of the organ, relieves pain or reduces its intensity.

Pros and cons of antacids

Antacids have a number of advantages that explain their popularity and frequent use:

• the effect of taking the drug is achieved in a matter of minutes;
• the cost of drugs is most often affordable;
• they have practically no side effects;
• have a minimum of contraindications, some of them can be taken even during pregnancy;
• antacids are presented in a wide range;
• medicines are available in different forms, which allows you to choose an option that is convenient for each case;
• are classified as over-the-counter drugs;
• most drugs do not require special storage conditions.

The variety of dosage forms is worth mentioning separately. Antacids are available in the form of tablets, suspensions, gels, solutions, and chewable lozenges. Often, liquid forms of drugs (suspensions, gels) are produced not only in vials, but also in small disposable sticks and bags containing one dose of the drug. This makes it easier to use the antacid in public, on the road, at work. But more often for these purposes, consumers choose tablet forms of medicines. They are easier to take outside the home, more convenient to store and take with you.

The disadvantage of antacids is the short duration of action. If a burning sensation in the esophagus occurs often, and while taking antacids disappears for a short time, other medications are additionally prescribed to suppress the production of hydrochloric acid.

How antacids work

Those who take antacids to relieve heartburn should be aware of the mechanism of action of these drugs.

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest area that occurs with many diseases of the digestive tract, as well as with excessive food intake or the absorption of certain foods that cause increased secretion of gastric juice. Heartburn occurs when gastric juice, which normally should be in the stomach cavity, is thrown into the esophagus. Periodically, even those who do not have digestive problems can feel heartburn, for example, when overeating fatty foods. But often she points to diseases such as GERD, stomach, cholelithiasis.

Antacids quickly neutralize hydrochloric acid, providing relief from heartburn. In addition, they have the following effect:

• reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid in the secretion of the stomach;
• reduce pressure in the organ;
• prevent the ingress of masses from the intestines into the stomach;
• accelerate the movement of food mass from the stomach into the intestines;
• envelop the inner walls of the stomach.

However, they do not affect the production of gastric juice, that is, after a while the problem will reappear.

Important! Antacids do not eliminate the cause of heartburn; they can only temporarily relieve unpleasant symptoms. If heartburn is a symptom of a gastrointestinal tract pathology, it is necessary to treat the disease itself, and not stop its symptom.

Moreover, some antacids can provoke a second attack of heartburn, as they create the so-called "acid rebound". To understand what this phenomenon is, you need to know that antacids are of two types: absorbable and non-absorbable.

Suction type antacids

Representatives of the first group are absorbed in the stomach and their active components penetrate into the blood, which can be understood from the name "absorbed". The most famous remedy in this category is baking soda. This is one of the earliest remedies to be used against heartburn. In addition to sodium bicarbonate, absorbable antacids include magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, and calcium carbonate.

Antacids in this category are considered outdated drugs, experts warn that their use is unsafe. The fact is that as a result of the interaction of these funds with hydrochloric acid, a reaction of its neutralization occurs with the release of carbon dioxide. It irritates the stomach lining and provokes the release of a new portion of hydrochloric acid. This phenomenon is called acid rebound. That is, after the symptoms of heartburn subside, they appear with renewed vigor. The carbon dioxide released during the reaction provokes the appearance of belching, bloating, and discomfort in the intestines.

Note: Absorbed antacids give a quick effect, but after 1-2 hours the heartburn attacks will recur. Taking them can lead to an exacerbation of chronic acid-dependent diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, ulcers).

Absorbable antacids should not be taken for a long time. Their reception is permissible in isolated cases, when it is necessary to quickly eliminate uncomfortable sensations, for example, when overeating.

Non-absorbable antacids

An antacid without a resorptive effect can be an alternative to absorbed drugs. Non-absorbable drugs are considered to be more modern and safer. Their reception is not accompanied by an acid ricochet. The action of these drugs is aimed at binding hydrochloric acid and its transformation into insoluble salts, which are subsequently excreted from the body with feces.

Nonabsorbable antacids are combined in that they may contain small amounts of aluminum, which is absorbed in the stomach but excreted in the urine. Products containing aluminum are not recommended for people with kidney problems.

Preparations in this category are enveloping agents with an antacid effect. They protect the walls of the stomach and accelerate the restoration of damage to them, as well as suppress the activity, which are the main provocateurs of gastritis and other gastrointestinal diseases.

Relief when taking non-absorbable antacids is achieved after 6-10 minutes, and the duration of their action can be from 2 to 4 hours. If you take them according to the scheme three times a day, you can prevent the reappearance of unpleasant sensations in diseases of the digestive system.

Important! People suffering from gastritis, ulcers and other gastrointestinal diseases are prescribed non-absorbable antacids for long-term use.

You need to ask your doctor about how to take these drugs correctly. In each case, the scheme and recommendations may differ. Depending on the disease, antacids are prescribed before meals or after meals.

Popular remedies

The pharmacy assortment includes a wide selection of antacids in various dosage forms. Let's highlight the most popular medicines that are considered the fastest:

• Rennie - is available in the form of chewable tablets with different tastes, belongs to the category of absorbable agents, contains calcium and magnesium carbonate; estimated cost - 190 rubles for 12 tablets;
• Almagel - is available in the form of tablets and suspensions for oral administration, the main substance is algeldrat and magnesium hydroxide, the auxiliary components in each form of release are different, for example, Almagel A contains an anesthetic benzocaine, due to which, when taken, an analgesic effect is achieved;
• Phosphalugel - antacid is available in the form of a gel for oral administration; the main component - aluminum phosphate - is dissolved in a gel base, thereby increasing the effectiveness and safety of the drug, the price is about 180 rubles per package with 6 doses of gel;
• Gaviscon - contains sodium alginate extracted from algae; produced in the form of a suspension and tablets, the cost is about 300 rubles for a bottle of suspension with a volume of 150 ml and 200 rubles for 12 tablets;
• Maalox - in addition to antacid, has an enveloping and adsorbing effect, is available in the form of tablets and suspensions, the active ingredients are magnesium and aluminum hydroxide;
• Rutacid is a less well-known agent, available in the form of tablets, the active substance is hydrotalcite, the cost of 20 tablets is about 170 rubles;
• Gastal - is produced in the form of tablets for resorption, has several varieties with different tastes and without flavors, the active ingredients are magnesium hydroxide and aluminum, the cost of a package with 24 tablets is about 250 rubles.

Antacids quickly eliminate heartburn, but if this symptom manifests itself not due to dietary errors, but against the background of a gastroenterological disease, you should not self-medicate. I need a doctor's help and complex treatment.

Antacid preparations are an indispensable remedy for people suffering from problems with the gastrointestinal tract. These are substances capable of producing an operative anti-acid effect. The list of antacids is quite large, so anyone can choose the most suitable remedy for themselves.

Indications for the use of antacid preparations

The group of antacid drugs includes agents that help normalize the acidity of gastric juice, which is why severity, heartburn, discomfort, and pain usually occur. As practice has shown, medicines can very effectively protect the mucous membrane from the destructive effects of acids.

Antacids are often prescribed for reflux esophagitis. Other indications for the use of drugs are as follows:

• peptic ulcer (funds can be taken both during an exacerbation and as a preventive measure);
• gastritis;
• bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract;
• hypertension syndrome;
• functional dyspepsia;
• spasmodic pain.

Antacids may well act as independent therapeutic agents, but many specialists prefer to include them in complex therapy. Take, for example, anesthetic antacid gels. This combination of drugs has proven itself well - medicines effectively and very quickly relieve pain, while protecting the intestinal wall from irritation and injury.

Classification of antacids

Today, it is customary to distinguish two main groups of antacid drugs:

• absorbable;
• non-absorbable.

Both are similar in principle of action. The main difference is the speed of the offensive and the duration of the effect. Absorbed antacids dissolve in the blood, so that they begin to act almost immediately after entering the body. The effect of taking non-absorbable drugs will have to wait a little, but the medication will work for several hours.

The entire list of antacid drugs can be considered safe. And nevertheless, a specialist should select drugs after clarifying the diagnosis and a thorough examination.

List of popular antacid drugs

Most of these medicines can be easily purchased at any pharmacy. It doesn't even require a prescription. You've probably heard the names of many drugs before.

So, the most effective absorbable antacids are:

• magnesium oxide or burnt magnesia;
• Bourget sodium mixture;
• sodium bicarbonate;
• magnesium carbonate;
• calcium carbonate;
• Rennie and Tams mixes.

Taking drugs in this group, you need to be prepared for some side effects: belching, discomfort and bloating. The reason for this may be the carbon dioxide formed as a result of the action of medicines. In some patients, due to antacids, blood pressure rises, therefore it is not recommended to take them for people prone to hypertension.

The list of non-absorbable antacids consists of the following drugs:

Side effects with these drugs are extremely rare. It is true that the organisms of individual patients can react to the ingestion of aluminum derivatives (included in some non-absorbable antacids) with constipation.

Taking medicines of this group, you can not be afraid of "acid rebound" - a sharp increase in the amount of irritating substances in the stomach that occurs after the end of the action of some drugs.

Antacids (antacids) are a group of drugs, the action of which is aimed at suppressing the manifestations of dyspeptic disorders provoked by increased stomach acidity. Antacids neutralize excess hydrochloric acid, reducing the intensity of symptoms and relieving the patient's condition.

For normal digestion, hydrochloric acid is produced in the stomach - it helps to activate a number of enzymes and destroy pathogenic bacteria that enter the digestive tract with food. The organ itself, to protect itself from the aggressive effects of hydrochloric acid, is covered from the inside with a thick mucous membrane. If its integrity is violated, erosion begins to appear on the inner surface of the stomach, which over time can lead to peptic ulcer disease. In some cases, the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter is possible, which leads to the ingress of enzymes into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.

The active components of antacids in an aqueous solution have alkaline properties, and therefore neutralize excess hydrochloric acid. This reduces the aggressive effects of gastric juice, which is manifested by a decrease in heartburn. Modern drugs not only neutralize the stomach environment, but also envelop the walls of the organ, which contributes to a faster recovery of the mucous membrane.

Indications for use

Antacids are prescribed in the following cases:

Attention! Antacids can be used both once and as a course. Long-term use of such drugs must be coordinated with a doctor in order to avoid side effects.

Varieties of antacids

All drugs in the antacid group fall into two broad categories.

1. Absorbable... This group of drugs contains substances that are able to be absorbed into the systemic circulation through the gastric wall. They are characterized by a rapid onset of a therapeutic effect. At the same time, during neutralization, a large amount of carbon dioxide is released in the patient's stomach. This leads to belching, flatulence, reflux. The total proportion of absorbed active substances can be up to ⅕ of the total amount of active substance. Therefore, it is better to take absorbed antacids once in order to avoid severe electrolyte imbalance.
2. Non-absorbable... A more popular group of drugs. They differ in prolonged action, but the effect of their use comes later than from the intake of absorbed funds. They help not only to neutralize the acidic environment of the stomach, but also envelop its walls, protecting them and promoting faster recovery. It is nonabsorbable antacids that are prescribed for long-term use, since they affect the work of other organs and systems to a lesser extent. The exception is patients with renal insufficiency, since part of the aluminum is excreted through the kidneys, which enters the bloodstream.

Attention! Reception of absorbed antacids can lead to the effect of "acid rebound" - when, at the end of the drug's action, the stomach begins to synthesize hydrochloric acid more intensively. This effect occurs as a result of too rapid alkalization of the stomach environment, which causes a compensatory effect. For this reason, absorbable antacids are not recommended at night when food will not be able to mitigate the effects of hydrochloric acid on the stomach.

According to the active ingredients, the following groups of antacids are distinguished:

Dosage forms

Antacids are available in several dosage forms:

Such dosage forms begin to act immediately - they are not protected by a membrane, and therefore their dissolution begins after entering the stomach environment. Suspensions are more convenient for home use, while tablets are more convenient for use outside the home. When the tablets are chewed and resorbed, the onset time is shortened and the heartburn is relieved more quickly.

Admission rules and validity period

Antacids are taken one-time to eliminate heartburn and dyspeptic symptoms. For the prevention of such violations, drugs are taken in a course, the duration of which is set individually.

The effect of the intake of absorbable agents appears immediately, and non-absorbable ones - after 10-15 minutes. The duration of the action of non-absorbable drugs lasts up to 4-5 hours. The effect of the use of absorbable products lasts 1.5-2 hours.

Contraindications and side effects

There are practically no special contraindications to the use of antacids. You can not take the funds of this group with increased sensitivity to active ingredients and with renal failure. A number of drugs are prohibited for use in children under 3 years of age, during pregnancy and lactation.

The main side effects of the application include:

The above side effects occur quite rarely and, in most cases, in violation of the instructions for use.

Review of popular antacids

Non-absorbable antacids are now more commonly prescribed. The reason for this is the softer action and the absence of the "acid rebound" effect after application.

If therapy with the use of antacids does not bring the desired effect, and the patient's condition continues to deteriorate, you need to contact a gastroenterologist. The manifestation of such symptoms deserves special attention:

Antacids are taken three times a day, after eating, and before bedtime. When combining this group of drugs with other drugs, it is recommended to pause between doses of at least 2 hours, so as not to affect the intensity of absorption of the active components of other drugs.

Video - Antacid: what is it

- These are drugs that neutralize hydrochloric acid, thereby reducing the acidity of gastric juice. These drugs remove pain and heartburn - the most common manifestations of diseases of the alimentary canal. For medicinal purposes, antacids have been used for over a century.

According to their chemical composition, all products are divided into soluble and insoluble in water. Medicines contain the following substances:

• sodium bicarbonate;
• calcium carbonate;
• aluminum hydroxide and phosphate;
• magnesium citrate, oxide, carbonate and hydroxide.

Substances soluble in water (sodium and calcium compounds), when combined with hydrochloric acid, act quickly, almost instantly, form a large amount of carbon dioxide, which stretches the stomach and stimulates the re-release of acid. This phenomenon is called ricochet syndrome. All drugs based on them are absorbable.

Especially sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) "sins" with this, funds based on it are completely absorbed and cause a systemic effect. If you take them for too long, then the acid-base balance of the internal media shifts to the acidic side (acidosis).

Compounds of magnesium and aluminum do not dissolve in water. Medicines based on them are non-absorbable, their action comes slowly. The funds act only in the intestinal lumen, they are not absorbed into the blood, but they can collect toxins on their surface. With an excess of magnesium salts, stool loosening occurs, aluminum - a blocking effect. Non-absorbable drugs can be taken for a long time, since they do not have ricochet syndrome. In addition, these agents adsorb pepsin, which inhibits the production of hydrochloric acid.

Modern antacids contain combinations of soluble and insoluble substances in different combinations, which allows you to change the time and quality of action. Also, the preparations contain additives that protect the gastric mucosa.

The greatest effect is exerted by antacids when acidic gastric contents or backflow into the esophagus. This is practically the only remedy that allows such patients to prevent burns of the esophagus and improve the quality of life.

Absorbable antacids

You can use baking soda, but only once - when overeating, after consuming acidic foods, alcohol, occasionally in pregnant women. It is not suitable for systematic use, since with prolonged use it causes electrolyte disturbances and many complications - from edema and increased blood pressure to the formation of kidney stones.

Absorbable antacids should not be taken with milk. With prolonged use, this can lead to the formation of lactic-alkaline syndrome, which is manifested by nausea and vomiting, the release of large amounts of urine and a temporary increase in the concentration of nitrogen in the blood.

Non-absorbable antacids

Features of the use of antacids for various pathologies

The choice of an antacid agent is made by a doctor, based on the characteristics of a specific clinical picture. The use of this group of drugs has its own nuances for each disease.

Peptic ulcer

Non-absorbable antacids are used before use and on the first day after their appointment, while the size of ulcers should not exceed 1 cm. It is possible to use these drugs after removal for symptomatic treatment of heartburn, neutralize the "acid rebound" of some drugs, and also to prevent relapses. Almagel and its varieties have gained the greatest popularity for peptic ulcer disease.

Chronic and acute duodenitis, gastroduodenitis

Non-absorbable antacids are used, but only as a complement to histamine blockers and proton pump inhibitors. Medicines help to quickly suppress inflammation, prevent another exacerbation. When using NSAIDs, antacids are used as a protective agent. The most widespread use in such a situation was the drug Talcid in the form of chewable tablets. The active ingredient is hydrotalcite, which has a crystalline layered-reticular structure, from which aluminum and magnesium ions are released in the stomach. For a long time and firmly binds hydrochloric acid, bile acids, stimulates the protective factors of the stomach.

After a single dose of the pill, a sufficient concentration of anti-acid ions lasts up to 90 minutes. You can chew the tablets as needed, but not more than 12 per day.

Due to the sorbing effect, Talcid should be taken 1-2 hours before or after meals or other medications. It is advisable to continue taking the pills for 4 weeks after the disappearance of all symptoms.

Recurrent stomach pains, heartburn of pregnant women

In cases where heartburn and other dyspeptic symptoms occur rarely and are caused by overeating, excessive consumption of coffee and other irritating substances, it is recommended to take absorbed antacids. The best drugs for this are Rennie, a mixture of Bourget, Tams, Andrews antacid.

Medicines are used in the "on demand" mode, their effect develops within 3-5 minutes, with episodic use, there are no side effects and complications.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

This is a constant reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, in which its lower part is damaged.

This condition can also occur in a healthy person with physical overstrain, stress, infections. However, if this happens constantly, treatment is required.

Treatment for GERD is complex, but antacids should be taken regularly. International guidelines suggest the use of non-absorbable antacids in the following sequence: Phosphalugel → Maalox (Almagel) → Gaviscon (Topalkan).

The most effective in this case are antacids of the second generation or aluminum-magnesium: Maalox, Megalak, Almagel. The variety of trade names is due to marketing requirements, and the active ingredients are the same.

Contraindications

Only non-absorbable antacids have contraindications, and there are few of them.

Side effects

Absorbed antacids have practically no side effects, except for allergic reactions that occur during an overdose. After drug withdrawal or significant dose reduction, these reactions stop.

The adverse effects of nonabsorbable drugs are extensive:

• constipation at high doses;
• nausea and vomiting (rare);
• a change in the taste of food;
• a significant increase in serum magnesium levels, which, combined with a lack of phosphorus intake from food, can lead to softening of the bones (osteomalacia).

Such effects occur only with prolonged uncontrolled use in high doses. If you follow the dosage indicated in the instructions or be under the supervision of a doctor, then side effects can be avoided.

Natural antacids

With heartburn, it is important to establish nutrition, using natural products to extinguish acidity.

The best foods in this sense are milk and meat. A large amount of hydrochloric acid and pepsin is consumed for their assimilation, and the duration of their stay in the stomach is several hours. To normalize acidity, it is useful to eat boiled or baked fish. Wheat bran works very well, they resemble a sorbent in their structure.

Oatmeal works the same way, especially with raisins and fresh pineapple added. Any boiled porridge is useful, especially with milk.

During the season, it is advisable to eat as many watermelons and melons as possible, which are excellent at reducing acidity. At any time of the year, you need to eat as many starchy vegetables as possible - potatoes, bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, zucchini, legumes, which are best boiled.