Treatment Indigestion and Heartburn

This section is about what over the counter treatments are available (not all treatments may be available in that country) and how they help.

Please see your Medical Doctor to see if there is no underlying condition

Please check all ingredients to make sure one is not sensitive or allergic to ingredients

To stop excessive acid to hit the stomach lining and cause indigestion and to prevent acid travelling up the food pipe.

There are many types of treatment available.

They are rafting agent which sits on top of your food in the stomach and it also mixes with food and makes it thicker preventing food going up the food pipe, The liquid formulations also coat the lining of the food pipe and prevent acid getting in contact with the food pipe skin lining easing the symptoms.
Sodium and potassium salts should be used in caution with heart and blood pressure condition patients.

They help to disperse wind by producing smaller bubbles and body disperse them in more comfort and are normally combined with antacid preparations to also help with indigestion and heartburn.

They can contain Calcium, Magnesium, Aluminium, sodium and potassium salts in an alkalis base.
They neutralise the excess acid produced in the stomach.
They should be taken at least two hours apart from other medication as they can affect their absorption.
They only work for a short time and is ideal for ‘when required’ symptoms occur.
One must also check if they are suitable to take these salts.
Calcium and aluminium salts tend to cause constipation.
Sodium and potassium salts should be used in caution with heart and blood pressure condition patients.
Magnesium salts can cause diarrhoea.
Antacids should be taken at least two hours apart from other medication because it can affect their absorption

They work by blocking chemical called histamine which helps to produce stomach acid.
They are used when antacids are not suitable or not effective.
They work longer than antacids (up to 12 hrs) and are ideal if one has to take antacids all day.
Please note if you experience any warning symptoms after taking the medication and/or symptoms do reoccur one must see a medical doctor.
They are not suitable for anyone under the age of 16 years old and should not be used longer than 14 days unless on the advice of a medical doctor.
They should not be used to treat existing stomach ulcers.

These work by stopping the pump in your stomach to produce acid.
They are used mainly when one has recurrent condition, if one has heartburn/indigestion more than twice a week.
They work within 24 hours but it can take 3-4 days to work.
It can only be used for a short period of time (not longer than four weeks).
For those who want a quick acting product one can use antacids with this product (take two hours apart) but not an anti-histamine antacid (h2 antagonists).
It is important not to take these tablets 2 weeks prior to a stomach endoscopy.
Again they are ideal if one takes antacids all day, and please note if one experiences any warning symptoms after taking this medication and/or symptoms do reoccur one must see a medical doctor.
The duration of the treatment is up to 2 weeks. Once complete relief of symptoms has occurred , treatment should be stopped. If symptom relief is not obtained with in 14 days of continuous treatment then one needs to see their medical doctor.
Do not use for than 14 days until one has spoke to their medical doctor.

These products help to coat the stomach lining and are used in constipation and diarrhoea conditions as well.
It cannot be used by anyone who is sensitive to salicylates and aspirin.
It can cause constipation.

Multivitamins are not intended to prevent long term conditions, reduce infection and is not proven (or data is weak) to help with cancer.

These are essential nutrients that the body requires in small amounts to function properly.