Antacids prescriptions available online

Systemic antacids are most often used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. These drugs primarily focus on improving the pH balance in the stomach by introducing alkalis to the patient's body. There are several types of systemic antacids, such as sodium bicarbonate, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium trisilicate. These come in the form of chewable tablets as well as liquids, powders, and capsules. Aluminum containing antacids and sodium bicarbonate inhibits the production of gastric acid by neutralizing the acidity levels in the stomach.

Systemic antacids are sometimes taken with other medications used to provide a more efficient treatment option for certain health conditions. For example, aluminum hydroxide could be used for immediate relief, while another medication helps to reduce inflammation in the stomach, which is a major cause behind the symptoms the patient experiences.

Examples of systemic antacids include:

Nonsystemic antacids, also called non absorbable antacids, are often used to treat acid reflux symptoms.

There are different mechanisms by which nonsystemic antacids work to treat acid reflux. They often neutralize a certain acid in the body, which is known as hydrochloric acid. Some of these drugs also bind to gastric acid and bile acids. In some cases, they may help to reduce the activity of pepsin enzymes and increase the local production of prostaglandin (PGE 1).

Examples of these drugs include:

Complex antacids generally refer to the use of a combination therapy in order to help acid reflux and other symptoms. These medications are usually not available without a prescription. OTC medications may help, but people with more severe acid reflux or related symptoms may not more potent medications. A complex antacid may combine the use of both systemic and nonsystemic drugs to help.

Certain cases also exist where proton pump inhibitors may be provided as prescription medications. These drugs contain ingredients that inhibit the activity of specific enzymes in the stomach, which are classified as proton pumps. When a patient uses a proton pump inhibitor, about 70% of these pumps are blocked. This ensures there remains enough gastric acid to process the patient's foods.

Proton pump inhibitors are sometimes also used to help people with stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. It is sometimes used with antibiotics to help treat infections caused by Helicobacter pylori.

Examples of proton pump inhibitors include:

It is important to note that some people have started to misuse these medications. This can cause more severe side effects associated with these anti-acidic drugs. For example, aluminum toxicity is risky if the patient frequently uses too many acid medications that contain aluminum hydroxide.

Certain antacids contain calcium as an ingredient. Consistent use could make symptoms worse and lead to a problem known as alkalosis. This can reduce the production of acids to the point where it causes digestive problems in the patient.

Patients are at risk of misuse with both over-the-counter (OTC) antacids and prescription options.

In rare cases, antacids may cause serious side effects. These can include:

Antacids are generally safe, but there are some risks if you have other medical conditions or take certain medications.

Before you take a prescribed antacid, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any existing medical conditions.

Some antacids contain an ingredient known as aspirin, which is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. If you have problems with bleeding, then the use of these antacids may make the condition worse.

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly or other medicines with the antacid. Alcohol is known as an irritant in the gastrointestinal tract. If you combine alcohol with antacids, then you may experience acid rebound. This can also reduce the efficacy of the medication you use to reduce acids in your stomach.

People with a history of bleeding disorders or a family history of stomach ulcers should tell their doctor. Your risk of bleeding due to the inclusion of aspirin or similar ingredients in antacids may increase significantly.