Pills for heartburn

Heartburn is a very common symptom, so there are a lot of medications for it. These are tablets against heartburn, and solutions, and powders, and suspensions. Pharmacist in any pharmacy will offer you at least five, if not more, drugs. But how to choose the most effective of them? How to choose your "medicine" from the whole variety of medicines?

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Indications for the use of tablets against heartburn

Heartburn is often manifested as one of the signs of the pathology of the digestive system. Among the main reasons for its appearance may be:

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

Since the mucous tissue of the esophagus is not as protected as the gastric mucosa, when it gets acidic gastric contents it becomes inflamed, which is manifested by a burning sensation behind the sternum, a sour taste in the oral cavity.

This condition is already an indication for taking medications, but it will be better to consult a specialist and determine the initial cause of heartburn to cure the underlying disease that caused it.

In some cases, burning can be an accidental 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, the means for heartburn will be very helpful.

Form of issue

Antacid and antisecretory medications can be produced:

• in tablet form for absorption in the oral cavity;
• in the form of drugs for oral administration;
• in the form of intestine-soluble capsules;
• in the form of a suspension for oral administration;
• in the form of solutions.

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

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Pharmacodynamics tablets from heartburn

Antacid and gastroprotective drugs based on calcium or magnesium compounds, appearing in the stomach cavity, interact with the stomach acid. Due to chemical contact, the acid is neutralized - water and water-soluble salts are formed. Simultaneously, the secretion of mucus is enhanced, which additionally protects the stomach tissue from the damaging ability of the acid.

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

Pharmacokinetics of heartburn tablets

Antatsidnye and gastroprotective drugs have a rapid therapeutic effect with increasing acidity and pain in the epigastric region, provoked by an excessive acidic environment in the stomach. With an internal intake of calcium absorption in the systemic circulation reaches 10%, magnesium - up to 20%. The substances that enter the blood are removed from the body through the urinary system.

Antisecretory drugs are absorbed almost completely, regardless of the presence of food in the stomach cavity. Biological availability can be from 70 to 80%. When the capsule is ingested, the antisecretory effect is observed after about 60 minutes, while the maximum effect is noticeable over 2 or 4 hours. Antisecretory drugs do not affect peristalsis. Secretion resumes 3-4 days after the last medication.

What are the tablets for heartburn?

If high acidity bothers you relatively rarely, then you should not worry - you obviously do not have a clear pathology. However, when the symptom is manifested almost after each meal - it is best to examine and identify the cause of this condition. Moreover, in this case, in your medicine cabinet must certainly be some drug that relieves heartburn.

The vast majority of gastroenterologists are sure that it is possible to fight heartburn, just by changing the principles of nutrition and way of life. Such changes include the refusal to eat fatty and fried foods, spirits, spicy foods, smoking. It is also important to stabilize the psychoemotional state, avoid stress, normalize rest and sleep.

Of the drugs most often doctors prescribe antacid (anti-acid) funds, as in most of the burning behind the sternum is a consequence of increased acidity of gastric juice. Antacids neutralize the acid of the stomach, while eliminating discomfort. Such medications usually act quickly, but for a short time, eliminating only the appearance of heartburn, without relieving the cause of this condition. Therefore, antacids can be considered first aid medicines, but it is unlikely that they will completely cure heartburn.

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

Antisecretory medicinal 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, lasting for a long time, besides, they not only relieve burning attacks, but also warn them. Among such agents, the most popular are omeprazole, omez, kontrolok, peptazol, etc.

Names of tablets against heartburn

• Controls - prescribe for peptic ulcer, reflux-esophagitis, with heartburn and for its prevention. Relate to antisecretory drugs, proton pump inhibitors. The active ingredient is pantoprazole. Not recommended for pregnancy and early childhood. Produced in tablets of 20 and 40 mg.
• Smecta is an agent of plant origin, an adsorbent, protects the walls of the stomach from the damaging effect of acid, increases the production of mucus. Does not enter the systemic circulation, is excreted by the body in an unchanged form. It is used for diarrhea, increased gas production, heartburn, peptic ulcer and enterocolitis. Allowed for use by children under 1 year and pregnant women. Virtually no side effects.
• Gastrofarm - enveloping, adsorbing and antacid preparation, restores the mucosa of the digestive organs. Contains lactobacilli, protein. Used to treat heartburn associated with gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.
• Gelusil (Gelusil Lak) - used in situations associated with increased acidity. An antisense agent is represented by a simaldrate (a mixture of magnesium, aluminum and silicate). Neutralizes excess hydrochloric acid, envelops, adsorbs, neutralizes the action of toxins in the digestive system. Not recommended for pregnancy.
• Aktal - reduce the acidity of gastric juice. Appointed with gastritis, stomach ulcer, with heartburn due to drinking, smoking, excessive consumption of coffee, chocolate, with eating disorders, taking medication. Not recommended for children under 12 years.
• Motilac - help with atony of the stomach, bloating, heartburn (including when throwing acidic contents of the stomach into the mouth), with pain in the abdomen and vomiting, hiccough. The active component of the tablets is domperidone. When pregnancy is not recommended.
• Almagel T - an antacid preparation, which includes hydroxyaluminium, which inhibits the production of pepsin. Neutralizes the action of hydrochloric acid. It can be used for gastritis, stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer, esophagitis, gastroenteritis. At pregnancy it is accepted no more than 3 days successively. When lactation is not prescribed. Analogues of the drug are Alumag, Gastal, Palmagel.
• Tablets from heartburn De-Nol - antiulcer with enveloping, anti-acid and adsorptive activity. Contains bismuth, so it is not used in pregnancy. The drug is administered strictly on an empty stomach with ulcers, gastritis, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, as well as heartburn caused by damage to the mucosa of the digestive organs. Analogue of the drug - Gastro-norms.
• Peaevskie tablets from heartburn - refer to biologically active additives. Reduce acidity, stimulate appetite. The drug is used for high acidity, as well as when there is a deficiency in the body of Ca and Mg. The composition of the tablets is presented by: calcium, magnesium, sugar, mint oil, flavorings.
• Tablets from heartburn Pariet - have antiazvennym and antisecretory effect, refer to blockers of histamine receptors. They inhibit the final stage of the formation of gastric juice. Applied with reflux-esophagitis, ulcer, other pathologies, provoked by increased secretion of hydrochloric acid. The active ingredient is rabeprazole, a known remedy for abnormalities of the digestive tract.
• Rennie - have an anti-acid and enveloping action. Presented by calcium and magnesium carbonate. Neutralize the acid with the release of water and calcium-magnesium salts. The therapeutic effect manifests itself almost immediately - acidity is reduced and pains caused by excess acid in the stomach are alleviated. The remedy can be used for gastritis, duodenitis, ulcer, acidic eructation caused by inaccuracies in the diet, alcohol consumption, smoking. Not contraindicated in pregnancy. Children are appointed from the age of 12.
• Tablets from heartburn Ortanol - intestinal-soluble capsules, reducing the concentration of hydrochloric acid and inhibiting its production. The active ingredient is omeprazole, an antiulcer. Can be used for heartburn, as it inhibits the secretion of the stomach. According to the instructions, after the use of one capsule of the drug can eliminate the unpleasant sensations behind the breastbone for about a day. Ortanol is not used in pregnancy, and also at the age of less than 18 years.
• Gastal is a combined agent based on hydroxyaluminum, carbonate and magnesium oxide. Take to eliminate high acid in the stomach, with peptic ulcer, gastritis and food toxic infections. Active components are able to envelop the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, inhibit excessive acidity and adsorb toxic substances.
• Gaviscon - refer to drugs based on salts of alginic acid. Do not have systemic effects on the body, so they can be used by pregnant women. Successfully prevent heartburn, dyspepsia, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach and a sour eructation. Gaviscon is not prescribed for children under 6 years of age.
• Tablets from heartburn Omeprazole - suppress the process of hydrogen metabolism in the stomach, thereby inhibiting gastric secretion. Omeprazole produces a rapid effect, which lasts, as a rule, throughout the day. Assign the drug for ulcer disease, inflammatory process in the esophagus, with gastritis. Avoid the use of omeprazole during pregnancy and lactation. Analogues of the drug are Losek, Promesol, Omzol, etc.

Dosing and Administration

Anti-acid preparations (Almagel, Gastal, Fosfalugel, Maalox, Rutatsid) are taken 1-1.5 hours after ingestion, or during severe heartburn. It is undesirable to use anti-acid agents for more than 14 consecutive days. Any other drugs taken for 2 hours before taking anti-acid means, or after 2 hours.

Funds that block the proton pump (Pariet, Omeprazole, Nexium) are taken only once a day, often by the course, for 10-14 days.

Methods of taking medicines depend on the dosage form of the drugs:

• effervescent tablets should first be dissolved in a glass of water;
• the chewable tablets are chewed until completely dissolved;
• oral tablets are consumed orally, as well as capsules, or dragees. They do not need to be chewed, but better to swallow whole;
• The resorption tablets are kept in the oral cavity until completely dissolved.

Before using any preparation, you should carefully read the instructions and consult with your doctor.

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Tablets from heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn during pregnancy appears in about 75% of women. Therefore, the issue of taking medications during this period is especially relevant. Of course, the use of medicines by pregnant women is not welcome. But there are medicines that do not have a systemic effect and are allowed to be taken when pregnant. Of course, you need to take such funds in small amounts and only if necessary.

• Phosphalugel;
• Maalox;
• Palmagel;
• Relzer;
• Almagel;
• Alumag;
• Gestid;
• Gasterin;
• Alfogel;
• Rennie and others.

The above medications can be used during the period of gestation, provided that the woman will strictly follow the recommendations on the dosage of medicines.

Antisecretory drugs are not recommended for admission during pregnancy, because doctors have insufficient experience of using them by pregnant women. The harm of such drugs is not proven, however, and their harmlessness is also.

Contraindications to the use of tablets against heartburn

Medications from a burning sensation and discomfort in the esophagus are not prescribed or accepted:

• with increased individual sensitivity to the ingredients;
• with severe renal failure;
• with hypercalcemia;
• at disorder of bowel function (dyspepsia).

Antisecretory drugs are not recommended in pregnancy, as well as in children under 12 years.

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

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Side effects of tablets against heartburn

Antacids are quite comfortable for patients, but in some cases, side effects may develop:

• allergic manifestations in the form of rashes, itchy skin;
• loose stool, diarrhea;
• at the end of the action of the drugs, an increase in the acidity of the gastric juice may be observed;
• in case of problems with the kidneys and prolonged use of antacid drugs, an increased content of potassium or magnesium in the blood may occur;
• with diabetes mellitus may be a deterioration of the state, since some preparations contain sucrose.

Admission of antisecretory drugs may be accompanied by the following side effects:

• diarrhea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain;
• pain in the head, dizziness;
• allergy (rashes, redness, swelling);
• liver damage;
• muscle pain;
• kidney damage;
• apathy, irritability, unreasonable anxiety;
• elevated level of hepatic enzymes.

All these signs completely disappear after the end of treatment with medications. Special therapy is not required.

Overdose

Anti-acid preparations, which contain aluminum, can provoke hypophosphatemia, osteomalacia, encephalopathy, and symptoms reminiscent of the clinical picture of poisoning with prolonged use. Also, taking large doses of such drugs can affect the increase in intestinal peristalsis - thus, there will be an upset of intestinal function and diarrhea.

The intake of a large number of magnesium-containing drugs can lead to an increase in the level of magnesium in the blood, which manifests itself as a slowdown in cardiac activity, impairment of renal function.

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

When using excessive doses of antisecretory drugs, dryness in the oral cavity, attacks of nausea and vomiting, redness of the face and chest, sweating may be noted. Some patients note the appearance of a feeling of fatigue, impaired consciousness, heart palpitations.

Special drugs that would neutralize the effect of funds from increased acidity, no. Usually, at the first signs of overdosage, gastric lavage is performed, sorbents are prescribed and treatment according to the available symptoms. The use of hemodialysis is in most cases impractical.

Interactions of tablets against heartburn with other drugs

Anti-acid preparations can impair the absorption of the following medicines:

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

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

Drugs that block H²-histamine receptors may reduce the absorption of medicaments whose bioavailability depends on the acidity of the gastric juice. Among such medications you can name cyanocobalamin, iron-containing preparations, ketoconazole, intraconazole, ampicillin sodium salt.

When combined with omeprazole and myelosuppressors, there is severe leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.

Conditions for storing tablets against heartburn

Often, antacid medicines contain flavors and flavors, for a more comfortable intake of drugs. This can attract children who take drugs for sweets. For this and other reasons, it is necessary to hide medicines from children's access.

In addition, the storage of medicines should be darkened, dry, the optimum temperature is from +15 to +25 ° C.

Shelf life of drugs - about 2 years (specify in the instructions for the drugs). After the expiry of the term, medicines must be disposed of.

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The price of pills for heartburn

Cheap pills for heartburn:

• Peaevskie tablets - 1-1,2 $ per packing (20 pcs.);
• Rennie - from 2 to 3 $ per package (12-24 pieces);
• Almagel T - an average of $ 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 $ for packing 30 tablets;
• Gastrofarm - $ 2 for 50 tablets.

Other drugs more expensive price category:

• Maalox tablets - from $ 5 per package;
• Smecta - 5-10 $ per packing;
• Omez capsules - 3-6 $ per packing;
• Pariet - $ 15 for 14 tablets;
• De-Nol - from $ 10 for packing 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 by pharmacists.

Reviews of heartburn tablets

To treatment with medicines produced the expected effect, it is important to observe several rules:

• taking medications should be done only according to the scheme prescribed by the doctor, and do not stop treatment at the first relief;
• with discomfort in the stomach and esophagus, it is necessary to exclude from the diet acute seasonings, marinades, onions and garlic, as well as fatty and fried foods;
• stop overeating and drinking alcohol;
• Do not lean on strong coffee and tea;
• Eat warm food, avoiding cold and hot;
• chew well;
• do not eat at night;
• give up smoking;
• watch your weight;
• if the heartburn caught at night, then put yourself an extra high pillow, raising your head about 15 cm more.

There are a lot of drugs that eliminate unpleasant symptoms with increased acidity, and they do it very quickly - this is Rennie, Maalox, Gastal. But such medications are also known, which are taken by the course and rescue from discomfort already for a long time (up to 1 year or more). It's Controller, Omez, De-Nol. However, such funds are taken only under the supervision of a doctor and subject to careful compliance with the diet.

Never replace the drug with a solution of baking soda. The fact is that the relief from the use of soda is deceptive: first the increased acidity really fades away, but after half an hour the gastric secretion resumes with renewed vigor. As a result, the acid concentration increases even more than was before soda intake. And if you use soda regularly, you can only aggravate stomach problems, and also stimulate the formation of urolithiasis.

Given the above, the best choice will be the use of special medicines. Tablets for heartburn are in any pharmacy, it remains only to choose the most suitable.