MEDICINE FOR ANTACIDS
These are basic substances which neutralize gastric acid and raise pH of gastric contents. Stomach produces a strong acid that helps digest food and protects you against infection. A layer of mucous lines in the stomach, oesophagus and intestines is to act as a barrier against this acid. If the mucous layer is damaged, the acid can irritate the tissues.
The major symptoms are
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid indigestion
• Pain in the upper part of your abdomen or chest
• heartburn
• loss of appetite
• feeling sick
• flatulence
The commonly used medicine is Magnesium tri silicate, Aluminium hydroxide gel. Aluminium hydroxide gel is a bland, weak and slowly reacting antacid. The brand name is DIGENE, GELUSIL. The dosage of the medicine is 5 ml suspension. This is important because a single dose of any antacid taken in empty stomach acts for 30-60 minutes only. If taken with meals, antacids may act for at the most 2-3 hours, but the presence of food in the stomach also decreases the rate at which antacids will neutralize HCl. The side effect of the medicine on regular use is osteomalacia.
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