Antacids Are A Popular Medication For Heartburn
However, They Can Have Negative Interactions With Medications For High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, And Kidney Disease
One of the most popular treatments for heartburn and indigestion are antacids, which can be prescribed by a specialist or purchased over the counter. These neutralize the effect of stomach acid, which causes the heartburn sensation. These have several active ingredients, which include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and magnesium trisilicate. There is also another popular antacid based on a substance called NDMA but has been withdrawn because it might increase the risk of cancer. Other types of antacids are based on proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), and histamine 2 (H2) blockers. These work by inhibiting pepsin, which works with hydrochloric acid for food digestion, or by generating a substance that prevents the acid from contacting the esophagus. Among the side effects are diarrhea, due to the magnesium content, poor bone mineralization, caused by an excess of aluminum, and fluid retention, caused by sodium bicarbonate, among others. These medications help with occasional heartburn, but if a patient has to take them every day, it might be a sign of a more serious condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Antacids can also have a negative interaction with medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease, and with blood thinners and steroids, among others. Additional details click here.