Receiving Helpdesk

do you take antacids before or after a meal

by Mrs. Sincere Fadel IV Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

It's best to take antacids with food or soon after eating because this is when you're most likely to get indigestion or heartburn. The effect of the medicine may also last longer if taken with food.

How long should you wait to eat after taking antacids?

01/03/2020 · You can take antacids 30 minutes before you eat, but most people find longer-lasting relief from their symptoms (up to 2 hours) if they take antacids an hour after eating or when their symptoms first appear.

Can you take antacids with food?

19/11/2019 · Both: Antacids should be taken so as not to interfere with nutrient absorption. Best time to take them is no closer than one hour before a meal and no sooner than three hours after a meal. An additional dose at bedtime can be very helpful as well. 4.9k views Reviewed >2 years ago.

When should I take antacids for heartburn?

04/02/2022 · Antacids are a good treatment for heartburn that occurs once in a while. Take antacids about 1 hour after eating or when you have heartburn. If you are taking them for symptoms at night, do not take them with food. Antacids cannot treat more serious problems, such as appendicitis, a stomach ulcer, gallstones, or bowel problems. Talk to your provider if …

What should I know before taking antacids?

Answer (1 of 8): Take Heartburn Medicines Before Breakfast These drugs are activated once in the body, said the study's senior author, Dr. M. Michael Wolfe, a gastroenterologist and chair of the department of medicine at MetroHealth System. "In order to activate the medicine, you must eat. For t...

Can you take antacids on empty stomach?

Always take your antacid with food. This allows you up to three hours of relief. When ingested on an empty stomach, an antacid leaves your stomach too quickly and can only neutralize acid for 30 to 60 minutes.28-Sept-2016

Why are antacids taken after meals?

Medicines called antacids are taken to prevent heartburn and acid reflux and indigestion, which usually occur when acid is produced as food enters your stomach. Therefore, these medicines are most effective if taken immediately after, or during, a meal.

How long after eating can you take antacid?

Take antacids about 1 hour after eating or when you have heartburn. If you are taking them for symptoms at night, do not take them with food. Antacids cannot treat more serious problems, such as appendicitis, a stomach ulcer, gallstones, or bowel problems.02-Nov-2020

What is the safest antacid to take?

Antacids are safe for most people. Some of the brand names of the safest antacids include Gaviscon, Gelusil, Tums, Maalox, and others. Zantac, a common heartburn drug used by millions of Americans, was recalled in 2019 over concerns that it contains a cancer-causing chemical called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

Can I take medicine immediately after food?

There is no simple answer to this question. However, as a general rule you should take medicine on an empty stomach (one hour before eating or 2 hours after). This is because many medicines can be affected by what you eat and when you eat it.15-Aug-2018

Can taking antacids daily be harmful?

If you experience heartburn or chest pain and find yourself popping antacids more than two or three times a week, it is time to see your doctor. While antacids may relieve your symptoms, they won't fix the root of the problem if you have an underlying health condition.

Is it OK to take antacids everyday?

While antacids can help alleviate heartburn symptoms, it's usually only meant to be used on an as-needed (and not daily) basis. You're more likely to take a combination of antacids and other medications to not only treat heartburn symptoms, but to prevent them in the first place.

What antacid tablet is the best?

Best Overall: Prilosec OTC at Amazon. ... Best Liquid Antacid: Pepto Bismol Original at Amazon. ... Best Flavored Antacid: TUMS Chewy Bites Antacid Tablets at Amazon. ... Best Chewable Antacid: Rolaids Extra Strength Antacid Chewable Tablets at Amazon. ... Best for GERD: ... Best for Kids: ... Best With Added Benefits:15-Nov-2021

How long does it take to get answers from a doctor?

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free! Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person).

Is HealthTap a board certified doctor?

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more.

How to treat heartburn in geriatrics?

Geriatrics 30 years experience. After meals if . . .: Take antacids such as calcium carbonate after meals if you notice heartburn. If you can, avoid those foods that make it worse. Stop smoking . Keep alcohol to a minimum. Stay upright as long as possible after meals.

Is HealthTap a doctor-patient relationship?

Disclaimer: Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap.

What are the side effects of antacids?

Side Effects of Antacids 1 Brands with magnesium may cause diarrhea. 2 Brands with calcium or aluminum may cause constipation. 3 Rarely, brands with calcium may cause kidney stones or other problems. 4 If you take large amounts of antacids that contain aluminum, you may be at risk for calcium loss, which can lead to weak bones ( osteoporosis ).

What are the symptoms of a bowel movement?

Bleeding in your bowel movements or darkened bowel movements. Bloating or cramping. Pain in your lower belly, on your side, or in your back. Diarrhea that is severe or does not go away. Fever with your belly pain. Chest pain or shortness of breath. Trouble swallowing. Weight loss that you cannot explain.

How long after eating can you take antacids?

Antacids are a good treatment for heartburn that occurs once in a while. Take antacids about 1 hour after eating or when you have heartburn. If you are taking them for symptoms at night, DO NOT take them with food. Antacids cannot treat more serious problems, such as appendicitis, a stomach ulcer, gallstones, or bowel problems.

Do liquid forms work faster than tablets?

Liquid forms work faster, but you may like tablets because they are easy to use. All antacids work equally well, but they can cause different side effects. If you use antacids often and have problems with side effects, talk with your health care provider.

Can antacids cause stomach ulcers?

Antacids cannot treat more serious problems, such as appendicitis, a stomach ulcer, gallstones, or bowel problems. Talk to your provider if you have: Pain or symptoms that do not get better with antacids. Symptoms every day or at night. Nausea and vomiting.

Can aluminum cause constipation?

Brands with calcium or aluminum may cause constipation. Rarely, brands with calcium may cause kidney stones or other problems. If you take large amounts of antacids that contain aluminum, you may be at risk for calcium loss, which can lead to weak bones ( osteoporosis ).

What are the side effects of antacids?

Side effects vary based on antacid ingredients, but can include: 1 Gas or belching 2 Swelling in the feet, ankles, and hands (products containing sodium bicarbonate, such as Alka-Seltzer) 3 Constipation (products containing calcium or aluminum) 4 Diarrhea (products containing magnesium)

Does maalox cause constipation?

Constipation (products containing calcium or aluminum) Diarrhea (products containing magnesium) Antacids that contain both magnesium and aluminum — like Maalox and Mylanta — are less likely to cause diarrhea or constipation than products containing just magnesium or aluminum, since the effects of these two ingredients tend to balance each other out.

What is the best medicine for acid reflux?

For occasional heartburn or acid reflux, antacids may help. Antacids are over-the-counter drugs that help manage symptoms of pain and discomfort caused by heartburn or acid reflux. They work by neutralizing the stomach acid that irritates the stomach and esophagus.

Can antacids interfere with warfarin?

Are taking thyroid medication — such as Levoxyl or Synthroid ( levothyroxine) — or the blood thinner Coumadin or Jantoven ( warfarin ), since antacids may interfere with these drugs. If you're pregnant, take care to avoid antacids that contain sodium bicarbonate — like Alka-Seltzer — or are otherwise high in sodium.

What is the name of the drug that contains magnesium and aluminum?

Gaviscon (alginic acid) Alka-Seltzer ( sodium bicarbonate) Drugs containing a combination of aluminum and magnesium, such as Mylanta, Maalox, and Gelusil. Some of these brands — like Gelusil, Mylanta Extra Strength, and Maalox Advanced — may also contain simethicone to control gas.

What is an antacid?

Antacids are medicines that counteract (neutralise) the acid in your stomach to relieve indigestion and heartburn. They come as a liquid or chewable tablets and can be bought from pharmacies and shops without a prescription.

When should I take antacids?

Antacids should be used when you have symptoms or think you will get them soon – for most people, the best time to take them is with or soon after meals, and just before going to bed. Remember that doses for children may be lower than for adults.

Can you drink alcohol while taking antacids?

Antacids can affect how well other medicines work, so do not take other medicines within 2 to 4 hours of taking an antacid. You can drink alcohol while taking antacids, but alcohol can irritate your stomach and make your symptoms worse.

What is the name of the disease that causes a stomach ulcer?

heartburn or acid reflux – also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) a stomach ulcer. gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) They can quickly relieve your symptoms for a few hours.

Can antacids cause constipation?

Antacids do not usually have many side effects if they're only taken occasionally and at the recommended dose. But sometimes they can cause: diarrhoea or constipation. flatulence (wind) stomach cramps. feeling sick or vomiting.

What are the ingredients in an antacid?

Ingredients to look for include: aluminium hydroxide. magnesium carbonate. magnesium trisilicate. magnesium hydroxide. calcium carbonate. sodium bicarbonate.

Can you take antacids while pregnant?

Antacids are safe for most people to take, but they're not suitable for everyone. Speak to a pharmacist or a GP for advice first if you: are pregnant or breastfeeding – most antacids are considered safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding, but always get advice first.

What to take for a swollen stomach?

Some medicines can irritate the stomach, and taking them with food will reduce this effect. Things such as biscuits or a sandwich, or a glass of milk, are usually enough. Examples include: 1 aspirin 2 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac and ibuprofen 3 steroids, such as prednisolone and dexamethasone

Why do you take antacids after eating?

Medicines called antacids are taken to prevent heartburn and acid reflux and indigestion, which usually occur when acid is produced as food enters your stomach. Therefore, these medicines are most effective if taken immediately after, or during, a meal.

What are some medications that can cause nausea and vomiting?

It's better to take some medicines that can cause nausea or vomiting after a meal to reduce these side effects. Examples include allopurinol and bromocriptine.

Can you take diabetes pills with food?

Enzyme supplements, which can be used to help people with chronic pancreatitis, should also be taken with food to help the body process the meal .

Why do you need to use miconazole gel after eating?

This is because eating food washes the medicine away too quickly.

What are some ways to reduce stomach irritation?

To reduce side effects of stomach irritation, including indigestion, stomach inflammation or ulcers. Some medicines can irritate the stomach, and taking them with food will reduce this effect. Things such as biscuits or a sandwich, or a glass of milk, are usually enough. Examples include:

Why do people take Tums?

On average, 6 million Americans take Tums or other anti-acids to prevent stomach discomfort caused by heartburn. For people not suffering from an underlying condition, these over-the-counter medications can be quite useful for relieving heartburn that occurs only every once in a while.

What happens when you take tums?

To understand how antacids work, it is important to know that they drastically interfere with digestion. They work by neutralizing the acid in the stomach, which in turns blocks the extraction of nutrients from food, including the absorption of magnesium, and enables the pancreas to produce pancreatic ...

How long does it take for a Tums to work?

When you take a Tums-1 hour after eating or at the onset of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms-it travels directly to the source of your heartburn to buffer and neutralize the acid immediately upon contact. As it dissolves, the antacid’s calcium carbonate properties continue to neutralize extra acid within the stomach and coat ...

Is salt bad for you?

Antacids containing high amounts of salt are one of the worst offenders, as the salt is known to be toxic to the brain. High levels of this salt are linked to poor mental functioning and the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. When you take a Tums-1 hour after eating or at the onset of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms-it travels directly to ...

Can you take tums with aloe vera?

Natural Remedies. One particularly effective natural remedy alternative to taking Tums or other antacids can be found in the aloe vera plant. In people suffering from heart burn, just 2 ounces of aloe vera juice instead of an antacid can relieve symptoms fast, without the possibility of disagreeable side effects.

How long after eating can you take antacids?

All antacids work relatively well, especially if taken 1 hour after eating or when heartburn initially sets in. Alternately, if they are being taken for symptoms that occur at night, they should not be consumed with food.

Can antacids cause side effects?

Side Effects. Because antacids impede the natural functioning digestion process, it is possible to experience some side effects with these medications . All antacids are made with the same 3 basic ingredients, so if you experience unpleasant side effects from one, try another brand and see if it works better for you.

Can you eat after taking tums?

You can eat soon after taking tums. For tums to be effective, you can eat 30 minutes after taking tums. Do not eat when you take tums. If you take tums around the time you eat, the tums will not work.

What are tums?

Tums are antacids that have calcium carbonate as the active ingredient. Tums are taken after experiencing acid-related digestive problems such as heartburn, acid reflux, stomach ulcer, and gastritis.

How to use tums?

Tums are available as tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, and liquid. Check the label and instructions for dosage or talk to your health practitioner for further information.

How do antacids such as tums work?

Antacids have an alkaline component that neutralizes the acid in the stomach. Different alkaline compounds used in antacids are aluminum hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium trisilicate, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate.

What causes high stomach acid, and how to prevent it?

Acid Reflux or heartburn is a condition, caused when excessive acid is produced by the stomach. When the stomach is unable to neutralize the acid, you experience the related symptoms.

What are some side effects of taking tums and some precautions you need to take?

Tums have calcium carbonate; calcium-based antacids can cause gas and bloat. Other side effects are swelling of feet, ankles, or hands and constipation.

Citations

Hi, I am Charlotte, I love cooking and in my previous life, I was a chef. I bring some of my experience to the recipes on this hub and answer your food questions.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9