Heartburn

Antacids usually contain a mixture of magnesium and aluminium salts, calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate.

Those containing high amounts of sodium may not be suitable for pregnant women or those on a sodium restricted diet, such as people with high blood pressure or heart disease.

Antacids are available as tablets that can be sucked or chewed and liquids. The choice is down to personal preference, but liquids may work faster and tablets may have a longer lasting effect.

Antacids can reduce the absorption of certain other medicines from the gut, so if you are taking any other medicines you should always check with your pharmacist before taking an antacid at the same time.

Alginates

Some antacid products also contain sodium alginate.

Sodium alginate is a substance that forms a 'raft' that floats on top of the stomach contents. The raft prevents stomach acid from passing back into the food pipe and protects the food pipe from the acid.

Products containing alginates, eg Gaviscon, are particularly useful for heartburn caused by pressure on the stomach, such as during pregnancy. They are also available as tablets and liquid.

H2 antagonists

H2 antagonists include medicines such as cimetidine (eg Tagamet), ranitidine (eg Zantac 75), nizatadine (eg Axid) and famotidine (eg Pepcid). All of these can now be bought from pharmacies by adults over 16 years of age.

They work by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, which prevent the cells in the stomach from producing too much acid.

This type of medicine may not be suitable for people with liver or kidney problems. They should only be used for a maximum of two weeks without consulting your doctor.

Cimetidine has the potential to interact with various medicines, both bought and prescribed, so you should always check with your pharmacist before taking it with any of your existing medicines.

When should I consult my doctor?

If heartburn or acid regurgitation occurs often, or the symptoms are very annoying, consult your doctor. You should also consult a doctor if you:

Your doctor will decide whether a further examination or more effective medicine is needed.

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