Heartburn pills

Heartburn is a very common symptom, so there are quite a lot of medications for it. These include heartburn tablets, solutions, powders, and suspensions. A pharmacist at any drugstore will offer you at least five, or even more, medications. But how do you choose the most effective one? How do you choose your “medicine” from the wide variety of medications?

[ 1 ], [ 2 ]

Indications for the use of heartburn tablets

Heartburn often manifests itself as one of the signs of digestive system pathology. Among the main reasons for its occurrence may be:

• stomach ulcer;
• gastritis is an inflammatory process of the gastric mucosa;
• gastrointestinal bleeding;
• functional disorders in the digestive tract;
• stomach or intestinal spasms.

Since the mucous tissue of the esophagus is not as protected as the mucous tissue of the stomach, when acidic gastric contents come into contact with it, it becomes inflamed, which manifests itself as a burning sensation behind the breastbone and a sour taste in the mouth.

This condition is already an indication for taking medications, but it would be better to consult a specialist and determine the initial cause of heartburn in order to cure the main disease that provoked it.

In some cases, burning may be a random symptom that does not indicate any disease. Such cases include heartburn after taking medications (mainly on an empty stomach) - aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, after overeating, after drinking alcohol, during pregnancy, etc. In such cases, heartburn remedies will be very useful.

Release form

Antacid and antisecretory medications can be produced:

• in tablet form for resorption in the oral cavity;
• in the form of drugs for oral administration;
• in the form of enteric-coated capsules;
• in the form of a suspension for oral use;
• in the form of solutions.

Ease of use is the main criterion for choosing medications. Additionally, the cause of the condition, the presence of gastrointestinal diseases, the age and condition of the patient, etc. are taken into account.

[ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Pharmacodynamics of heartburn tablets

Antacid and gastroprotective drugs based on calcium or magnesium compounds, when they enter the gastric cavity, interact with the stomach acid. As a result of chemical contact, the acid is neutralized - water and water-soluble salts are formed. At the same time, mucus secretion increases, which additionally protects the stomach tissue from the damaging ability of the acid.

Antisecretory drugs are designed to inhibit the secretion of hydrochloric acid. This is achieved by acting on the so-called proton pump, an enzyme that is located in the parietal cell and supplies it with hydrogen instead of potassium ions. Antisecretory agents inhibit the production of hydrochloric acid by the parietal cell of the gastric secretory glands, while this acid is the main ingredient of gastric juice. This mechanism underlies the action of antisecretory agents.

Pharmacokinetics of heartburn tablets

Antacid and gastroprotective drugs have a rapid therapeutic effect in case of increased acidity and pain in the epigastric region caused by excessive acidity in the stomach. When taken internally, calcium absorption into the systemic bloodstream reaches 10%, magnesium - up to 20%. Substances that enter the blood are excreted from the body through the urinary system.

Antisecretory drugs are absorbed almost completely, regardless of the presence of food in the stomach. Biological availability can be from 70 to 80%. When taking a capsule orally, the antisecretory effect is observed after about 60 minutes, with the maximum effect noticeable for 2 or 4 hours. Antisecretory agents do not affect peristalsis. Secretion resumes 3-4 days after the last dose of the drug.

What are some heartburn pills?

If high acidity bothers you relatively rarely, then you should not worry - you most likely do not have an obvious pathology. However, when the symptom appears almost after every meal, it is best to get examined and identify the cause of this condition. Moreover, in this case, your medicine cabinet should definitely contain some kind of drug that relieves heartburn.

The vast majority of gastroenterologists are confident that it is possible to fight heartburn by simply changing the principles of nutrition and lifestyle. Such changes include refusing to eat fatty and fried foods, alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, and smoking. It is also important to stabilize the psycho-emotional state, avoid stress, and normalize rest and sleep.

Of the medications, doctors most often prescribe antacids (anti-acid) drugs, since in most cases, heartburn behind the breastbone is a consequence of increased acidity of gastric juice. Antacids neutralize stomach acid, simultaneously eliminating unpleasant sensations. Such medications usually act quickly, but for a short time, eliminating only the external manifestations of heartburn, without eliminating the cause of this condition. Therefore, antacids can be considered first aid drugs, but they are unlikely to completely cure heartburn.

Antacids include any medications based on baking soda, magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate, sodium sulfate or phosphate. These are medications such as Rennie, Almagel, Alumag, Maalox, Gaviscon, etc.

Antisecretory medications are also used to combat heartburn. They reduce the production of acid in the stomach, thereby relieving the patient of discomfort. Such drugs are relatively safe, have a long-lasting effect, and they not only relieve heartburn attacks, but also prevent them. Among such drugs, the most popular are Omeprazole, Omez, Controloc, Peptazol, etc.

Heartburn Pill Names

• Controloc is prescribed for peptic ulcer disease, reflux esophagitis, heartburn and its prevention. It is an antisecretory drug, a proton pump inhibitor. The active ingredient is pantoprazole. It is not recommended during pregnancy and in early childhood. It is available in tablets of 20 and 40 mg.
• Smecta is a herbal remedy, an adsorbent, protects the stomach walls from the damaging effects of acid, increases mucus production. Does not enter the systemic circulation, is excreted by the body unchanged. It is used for diarrhea, increased gas formation, heartburn, peptic ulcer and enterocolitis. It is approved for use by children under 1 year and pregnant women. It has virtually no side effects.
• Gastrofarm is an enveloping, adsorbing and antacid preparation that restores the mucous membrane of the digestive organs. Contains lactobacilli, protein. It is used to treat heartburn associated with gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.
• Gelusil (Gelusil Lacquer) – used in situations associated with increased acidity. Anti-acid agent, represented by simaldrate (a mixture of magnesium, aluminum and silicate). Neutralizes excess hydrochloric acid, envelops, adsorbs, neutralizes the effect of toxins in the digestive system. Not recommended during pregnancy.
• Actal - reduces the acidity of gastric juice. Prescribed for gastritis, stomach ulcers, heartburn due to alcohol, smoking, excessive coffee, chocolate consumption, nutritional disorders, medication. Not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
• Motilak - helps with gastric atony, bloating, heartburn (including when acidic stomach contents are thrown into the mouth), abdominal pain and vomiting, hiccups. The active component of the tablets is domperidone. Not recommended during pregnancy.
• Almagel T is an antacid drug that contains hydroxyaluminum, which inhibits pepsin production. Neutralizes the action of hydrochloric acid. Can be used for gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, esophagitis, gastroenteritis. During pregnancy, it is taken for no more than 3 days in a row. It is not prescribed during lactation. Analogues of the drug are Alumag, Gastal, Palmagel.
• Heartburn tablets De-Nol - an antiulcer agent with enveloping, antacid and adsorbing activity. Contains bismuth, so it is not used during pregnancy. The drug is taken strictly on an empty stomach for ulcers, gastritis, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and heartburn caused by damage to the mucous membrane of the digestive organs. An analogue of the drug is Gastro-norm.
• Pechaevskie tablets for heartburn - are biologically active additives. Reduce acidity, stimulate appetite. The drug is used for increased acidity, as well as for a deficiency of Ca and Mg in the body. The composition of the tablets is represented by: calcium, magnesium, sugar, mint oil, flavorings.
• Pariet heartburn tablets have antiulcer and antisecretory effects and are classified as histamine receptor blockers. They inhibit the final stage of gastric juice formation. They are used for reflux esophagitis, ulcers, and other pathologies caused by increased secretion of hydrochloric acid. The active ingredient is rabeprazole, a well-known remedy used for gastrointestinal disorders.
• Rennie - has an antacid and enveloping effect. It is represented by calcium and magnesium carbonate. Neutralizes acid with the release of water and calcium-magnesium salts. The therapeutic effect appears almost immediately - acidity decreases and pain caused by excess acid in the stomach is relieved. The drug can be used for gastritis, duodenitis, ulcers, sour belching caused by dietary errors, alcohol consumption, smoking. Not contraindicated for pregnant women. Prescribed for children from 12 years of age.
• Ortanol heartburn tablets are enteric-coated capsules that reduce the concentration of hydrochloric acid and inhibit its production. The active ingredient is omeprazole, an antiulcer agent. It can be used for heartburn, as it inhibits gastric secretion. According to the instructions, after taking one capsule of the drug, you can eliminate the unpleasant sensations behind the breastbone for about a day. Ortanol is not used during pregnancy, as well as at the age of under 18 years.
• Gastal is a combination product based on hydroxyaluminum, carbonate and magnesium oxide. It is taken to eliminate excess acid in the stomach, with peptic ulcer, gastritis and food poisoning. The active components are able to coat the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, suppress excess acidity and adsorb toxic substances.
• Gaviscon - refers to drugs based on alginic acid salts. Do not have a systemic effect on the body, so can be used by pregnant women. Successfully prevents heartburn, dyspepsia, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach and sour belching. Gaviscon is not prescribed to children under 6 years of age.
• Heartburn tablets Omeprazole - suppress the process of hydrogen exchange in the stomach, thereby inhibiting gastric secretion. Omeprazole produces a rapid effect, which usually lasts for 24 hours. The drug is prescribed for peptic ulcer, inflammatory process in the esophagus, gastritis. Avoid using Omeprazole during pregnancy and lactation. Analogues of the drug are Losek, Promezol, Omzol, etc.

Method of administration and dosage

Antacid drugs (Almagel, Gastal, Phosphalugel, Maalox, Rutacid) are taken 1-1.5 hours after eating, or during severe heartburn. It is not advisable to use antacids for more than 14 days in a row. Any other drugs are taken 2 hours before taking antacids, or 2 hours later.

Proton pump blocking agents (Pariet, Omeprazole, Nexium) are taken only once a day, usually in a course, for 10-14 days.

The methods of taking medications depend on the dosage form of the drugs:

• effervescent tablets should first be dissolved in a glass of water;
• chewable tablets are chewed until completely dissolved;
• Oral tablets are taken orally, just like capsules or dragees. They do not need to be chewed, but rather swallowed whole;
• Lozenges are kept in the oral cavity until completely dissolved.

Before using any drug, you should carefully read the instructions and consult a doctor.

[ 7 ]

Heartburn pills during pregnancy

Heartburn during pregnancy occurs in approximately 75% of women. Therefore, the issue of taking medications during this period is especially relevant. Of course, the use of medications by pregnant women is not welcomed. But there are drugs that do not have a systemic effect and are allowed to be taken during pregnancy. Of course, such drugs should be taken in small quantities and only when necessary.

• Phosphalugel;
• Maalox;
• Palmagel;
• Relzer;
• Almagel;
• Alumag;
• Hestid;
• Gasterin;
• Alfogel;
• Rennie etc.

The above-mentioned medications can be used during pregnancy, provided that the woman strictly follows the dosage recommendations for the medications.

Antisecretory drugs are not recommended for use during pregnancy, as doctors have insufficient experience in using them in pregnant women. The harm of such drugs has not been proven, however, their harmlessness has not been proven either.

Contraindications to the use of heartburn tablets

Medicines for burning sensation and discomfort in the esophagus are not prescribed or taken:

• in case of increased individual sensitivity to the ingredients;
• in severe renal failure;
• in hypercalcemia;
• in case of intestinal dysfunction (dyspepsia).

Antisecretory drugs are not recommended during pregnancy and in children under 12 years of age.

Contraindications for each specific drug should be read in the annotation to the drug.

[ 5 ], [ 6 ]

Side effects of heartburn pills

Antacids are quite well accepted by patients, however, in some cases, side effects may develop:

• allergic reactions in the form of rashes, itchy skin;
• loose stools, diarrhea;
• after the effect of the drugs wears off, an increase in the acidity of gastric juice may be observed;
• kidney problems and prolonged use of antacid medications may cause elevated levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood;
• In case of diabetes, the condition may worsen, since some drugs contain sucrose.

Taking antisecretory drugs may be accompanied by the following side effects:

• diarrhea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain;
• headache, dizziness;
• allergies (rashes, redness, swelling);
• liver damage;
• muscle pain;
• kidney damage;
• apathy, irritability, unreasonable anxiety;
• elevated liver enzymes.

All of the above symptoms disappear completely after the end of medication treatment. No special therapy is required.

Overdose

Antacid drugs containing aluminum, when used for a long time, can provoke the development of hypophosphatemia, osteomalacia, encephalopathy, and symptoms resembling the clinical picture of poisoning. Also, taking large doses of such drugs can affect the increase in intestinal peristalsis - thus, a disorder of intestinal function and diarrhea will occur.

Taking large amounts of magnesium-containing drugs can lead to an increase in the level of magnesium in the blood, which will result in a slowdown in heart activity and deterioration in kidney function.

Taking excessive amounts of calcium-containing drugs can cause hypercalcemia, which can lead to urolithiasis.

When using excessive doses of antisecretory agents, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, flushing of the face and chest, and increased sweating may occur. Some patients report a feeling of fatigue, impaired consciousness, and increased heart rate.

There are no special drugs that would neutralize the effect of anti-acidity agents. Usually, at the first signs of overdose, gastric lavage is performed, sorbents are prescribed, and treatment is carried out according to the existing symptoms. The use of hemodialysis in most cases is inappropriate.

Interactions of heartburn tablets with other drugs

Antacid drugs may impair the absorption of the following drugs:

• tetracycline;
• acetylsalicylic acid;
• propranolol;
• indomethacin;
• iron-containing drugs;
• isoniazid.

Omeprazole in combination with diazepam, warfarin, phenytoin prolongs the half-life of these drugs.

Medicines that block H²-histamine receptors can reduce the absorption of drugs whose bioavailability depends on the acidity of gastric juice. Among such medicines are cyanocobalamin, iron-containing drugs, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ampicillin sodium salt.

With the combined use of omeprazole and myelosuppressants, severe leukopenia and thrombocytopenia are observed.

Storage conditions for heartburn tablets

Often, antacid medications contain flavorings and flavor additives to make taking the medications more comfortable. This may attract children who mistake the medications for sweets. For this and other reasons, it is necessary to hide medications from children.

In addition, storage areas for medicines should be dark and dry, with an optimal temperature of +15 to +25°C.

The shelf life of the medicines is about 2 years (check the instructions for the medicines). After the expiration date, the medicines are subject to disposal.

[ 8 ], [ 9 ], [ 10 ]

Price of heartburn pills

Inexpensive heartburn pills:

• Pechaevskie tablets – $1-1.2 per pack (20 pcs.);
• Rennie – from $2 to $3 per package (12-24 pcs.);
• Almagel T – on average $0.5 for 12 tablets;
• Gastal – $2 for 24 tablets;
• Ranitidine – $0.3-0.5 for 20 tablets;
• Famotidine – about $0.2 for 20 tablets;
• Omeprazole – up to $1 for 30 capsules;
• Alumag – about $3 per pack of 30 tablets;
• Gastrofarm – $2 for 50 tablets.

Other drugs in a more expensive price category:

• Maalox tablets – from $5 per pack;
• Smecta – $5-10 per package;
• Omez capsules – $3-6 per pack;
• Pariet - $15 for 14 tablets;
• De-Nol – from $10 per pack of 56 tablets;
• Nexium – from $5 for 7 tablets.

Prices may vary depending on the manufacturer of the drug and the price position of a particular pharmacy, so the cost of drugs should be clarified with pharmacists.

Heartburn Pill Reviews

In order for drug treatment to produce the expected effect, it is important to follow several rules:

• medication should be taken only according to the regimen prescribed by the doctor, and treatment should not be stopped at the first sign of relief;
• if you experience discomfort in the stomach and esophagus, you should exclude hot spices, marinades, onions and garlic, as well as fatty and fried foods from your diet;
• stop overeating and drinking alcohol;
• don't rely on strong coffee and tea;
• eat warm food, avoiding cold and hot;
• chew well;
• do not eat at night;
• quit smoking;
• watch your weight;
• If heartburn occurs at night, put an additional high pillow on yourself, raising your head by about 15 cm.

There are quite a few medications that eliminate unpleasant symptoms of increased acidity, and do it very quickly - these are Rennie, Maalox, Gastal. But there are also medications that are taken in a course and save from discomfort for a long time (up to 1 year or more). These are Controloc, Omez, De-Nol. However, such drugs are taken only under the supervision of a doctor and subject to careful adherence to a diet.

Never replace pharmaceutical preparations with a solution of baking soda. The fact is that the relief from using soda is deceptive: at first, the increased acidity really does subside, but after half an hour, gastric secretion resumes with renewed vigor. As a result, the concentration of acid increases even more than it was before taking soda. And if you use soda regularly, you can only aggravate stomach problems, as well as stimulate the formation of urolithiasis.

Considering the above, the best choice would be to use special medications. Heartburn pills are available at any pharmacy, all you have to do is choose the most suitable ones.