From the Guidelines
Liquid antacids are a class of medications that can be used to directly buffer gastric acid in the esophagus or stomach to reduce heartburn and ideally allow mucosal healing of esophagitis.
Key Characteristics of Liquid Antacids
- They work by neutralizing stomach acid on contact and providing a protective coating on the esophagus 1
- Liquid formulations generally work faster than tablets or capsules because they don't require dissolution
- Common side effects may include constipation or diarrhea, but combination products can balance these effects
Recommended Usage
- The standard adult dose is not specified in the provided evidence, but it's generally recommended to take liquid antacids 30 minutes after meals and at bedtime, or as needed for symptoms
- It's essential to shake the bottle well before measuring with the provided cup or spoon
- Avoid taking other medications within 2 hours of antacids as they can interfere with absorption
Important Considerations
- If symptoms persist beyond two weeks or are accompanied by difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, or chest pain, consult a healthcare provider as these could indicate a more serious condition
- Alternative treatment methods, such as lifestyle modifications, alginate-containing antacids, or cognitive-behavioral therapy, may serve a role in management of extraesophageal reflux symptoms 1
From the FDA Drug Label
Purpose Antacid The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Definition and Composition of Liquid Antacids
- Liquid antacids are a type of antacid that comes in a liquid form, often containing aluminum and magnesium hydroxide as active components 2, 3, 4.
- They are used to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 2, 3, 5, 4.
- The effect of antacids on the stomach is due to partial neutralisation of gastric hydrochloric acid and inhibition of the proteolytic enzyme, pepsin 6.
Mechanism of Action
- Liquid antacids work by increasing the pH of the esophagus and stomach, providing quick relief from heartburn and other symptoms 2, 4.
- The rapid increase in esophageal pH suggests that the lower esophagus is the primary site of antacid action for heartburn relief 2, 4.
- Antacids can also produce drug interactions by changing gastric pH, altering drug dissolution, reduction of gastric acid hydrolysis of drugs, or altering drug elimination by changing urinary pH 6.
Efficacy and Comparison with Other Treatments
- Liquid antacids have been shown to be effective in relieving heartburn and other symptoms of GERD, with some studies suggesting they are more effective than other treatments such as famotidine 5.
- A comparative study found that liquid antacids were more effective than an antacid gel containing magnesium and aluminum hydroxide in relieving heartburn and epigastric pain 3.
- Another study compared the effects of aluminum/magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate on esophageal and gastric pH, finding that the aluminum/magnesium hydroxide formulation was more effective in increasing esophageal pH 4.