Heartburn Relief: How to Choose an Antacid in the UAE

For occasional heartburn, the usual first step is an over-the-counter antacid, which neutralises excess stomach acid, or an alginate remedy, which forms a protective layer on top of the stomach contents to help keep acid where it belongs. Which one suits you depends on when your symptoms happen and whether you prefer chewable tablets, a liquid or single-dose sachets.

Lasting heartburn relief is not only about medicine, though. Small changes to how and when you eat can make a real difference, and this guide covers both.

What heartburn and acid reflux feel like

Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest, often rising up behind the breastbone, that usually comes on after eating. It happens when stomach acid travels back up into the food pipe (oesophagus). This is called acid reflux.

Other common signs of acid reflux include:

• a sour or bitter taste at the back of your mouth
• a cough or hiccups that keep coming back
• a hoarse voice
• bloating or feeling sick after meals

Symptoms are often worse after a big meal, when you lie down or when you bend over. Occasional heartburn is common. When reflux happens often, doctors may call it gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD, also written GERD).

Common triggers of heartburn after eating

Heartburn after eating is often linked to what, how much and when you eat. Common triggers include:

• Large or late meals. Big family dinners, late-night takeaways and heavy iftar meals during Ramadan can all put pressure on the stomach.
• Spicy, fatty or fried food. Rich curries, fried snacks and greasy takeaways are frequent culprits.
• Fizzy drinks, tempting in the summer heat but a common trigger.
• Caffeine. Coffee, strong tea such as karak, and energy drinks can trigger symptoms.
• Smoking, including shisha.
• Lying down or bending over soon after eating.

Being overweight, pregnancy, stress and tight clothing around the waist can also make heartburn more likely. Some medicines can cause it too, so ask our pharmacist if you think something you take might be part of the problem.

Lifestyle changes that help

These simple habits can reduce how often heartburn happens:

• Eat smaller meals more often, rather than two or three large ones.
• Try not to eat in the three to four hours before bed.
• Stay upright after meals instead of lying on the sofa.
• Raise the head end of your bed, for example with blocks under the bed legs, so your head and chest are higher than your waist.
• Notice which foods and drinks set you off and cut down on them.
• Choose plain water through the day instead of fizzy drinks, which also helps you stay hydrated in the heat.
• Wear loose clothes around your waist.
• If you smoke, stopping can help.
• If you are overweight, losing weight gradually may help.
• Find ways to relax, as stress can make symptoms worse.

Types of acid reflux medicine over the counter

Pharmacy remedies for heartburn work in a few different ways. Many products combine more than one approach.

Antacids

An antacid for heartburn contains ingredients such as calcium carbonate, magnesium or aluminium compounds that neutralise excess stomach acid. Antacids are used for occasional heartburn and acid indigestion. Some also contain simethicone, which helps relieve trapped wind and bloating.

Alginates (raft-forming remedies)

Alginates form a gel layer, sometimes called a raft, on top of the stomach contents. This helps keep acid from rising into the food pipe. They are often combined with an antacid and are usually taken after meals and at bedtime, as directed on the pack.

Protective gels and reflux sachets

Some reflux products, such as certain oral gels and liquid sachets, are designed to coat and protect an irritated oesophagus and stomach lining. Some are registered as medical devices rather than medicines.

A few safety points apply to all of these:

• Antacids can affect how some other medicines are absorbed, so you may need to take them at different times. Ask our pharmacist if you take other medicines.
• Some remedies contain sodium, calcium or aluminium. If you have kidney or heart problems, or follow a low-salt diet, ask before you buy.
• Check the age on the pack. Before giving any remedy to a baby or young child, speak to a doctor or our pharmacist.

Choosing a format: tablets, liquids or sachets

Once you know the type of remedy you need, the format comes down to your routine:

• Chewable tablets are small and easy to keep in a bag, car or desk drawer. Chew them well before swallowing.
• Liquids suit home use, as bottles are bulkier to carry. Shake well before use.
• Single-dose sachets and gel sticks are pre-measured, need no spoon and slip easily into a pocket. They are handy for work, travel and evenings out.

Heartburn relief products at Bait Al Dawaa Pharmacy

Here are some of the heartburn and reflux remedies you can order from our pharmacy:

• Rennie Peppermint Tablets (96): peppermint chewable antacid tablets containing calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, for heartburn and indigestion in adults and children over 12.
• Maalox Plus Suspension 355ml: a lemon-flavoured antacid liquid that also contains simethicone, for heartburn and acid indigestion with trapped wind or bloating.
• Gaviscon Double Action Mint: combines an antacid with an alginate, so it neutralises excess acid and forms a protective layer on top of the stomach contents, for heartburn and indigestion.
• MediReflux Sachets (20): ready-to-take oral liquid sachets, a medical device for the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux such as heartburn and acid reflux.

Read the leaflet before use. You can find more remedies for everyday complaints in our over-the-counter medicines collection.

Heartburn in pregnancy

Heartburn in pregnancy is common, especially in the later months. Pregnancy hormones relax the muscle that normally keeps acid in the stomach, and the growing baby presses on the stomach.

The lifestyle tips above can help. Ask before you take anything. Some remedies are suitable in pregnancy and others are not, so speak to our pharmacist, your midwife or your doctor first. The same applies if you are breastfeeding.

When to see a doctor or ask our pharmacist

Ask our pharmacist if you are not sure which remedy to choose, you take other medicines, you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you have kidney or heart problems, or you are buying for a child.

See a doctor if:

• you have heartburn most days for three weeks or more
• over-the-counter remedies are not helping, or symptoms keep coming back
• you have difficulty or pain when swallowing, or food feels stuck
• you are losing weight without trying
• you are being sick (vomiting) often

Get urgent medical help straight away if you vomit blood or have black, tarry stools.

Chest pain needs urgent medical help. Heart problems can feel like heartburn. If you have chest pain that feels tight, heavy or crushing, spreads to your arm, neck, jaw or back, or comes with shortness of breath, sweating or feeling sick, call 998 for an ambulance straight away. Do not assume it is heartburn.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an antacid and an alginate?

An antacid neutralises excess stomach acid. An alginate forms a protective layer on top of the stomach contents that helps keep acid from rising into the food pipe. Many products combine both.

Is heartburn after eating normal?

Occasional heartburn after a large, spicy or late meal is common. If it happens most days for three weeks or more, see a doctor.

Can I take an antacid with my other medicines?

Antacids can affect how some medicines are absorbed, so you may need to space them apart. Ask our pharmacist to check your medicines and advise on timing.

What can I take for heartburn in pregnancy?

Start with lifestyle changes such as smaller meals and not eating close to bedtime. Before taking any remedy, ask our pharmacist, your midwife or your doctor.

This article is general information, not medical advice. For advice about your own health, speak to your doctor or ask our pharmacist at Bait Al Dawaa Pharmacy.