MEDICINES FOR INDIGESTION CAN BE AFFECTED BY

There are three types of medicines used for indigestion (also known as reflux, heartburn and gastro-oesophageal reflux).

Antacids eg Mylanta, Gaviscon and Rennie contain ingredients such as calcium carbonate, aluminium and magnesium hydroxide.

H2 antagonists eg Zantac and Tazac contain ingredients such as ranitidine and nizatidine.

Proton Pump Inhibitors eg Nexium, Somac and Losec contain ingredients such as esomeprazole, pantoprazole and omeprazole.

These medicines work in different ways but neutralise stomach acid to prevent damage and the uncomfortable burning feeling.

Taking St John’s Wort while taking H2 antagonists or PP Inhibitors can make you more likely to burn in the sun so be extra sun safe if taking these medicine combinations.

Feverfew is used to prevent migraines. It can thin the blood so it may also increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Taking Feverfew if you take indigestion medicines is not a good idea.

Drinking cranberry juice if you take H2 antagonists or PP Inhibitors is a good idea! These medicines make it difficult to absorb B vitamins (amongst many others) however adding in cranberry juice improves B Vitamin absorption!

Alcohol isn’t so much a problem with indigestion medicines but alcohol itself causes irritation to the stomach lining. If you have symptoms of indigestion or have a stomach ulcer you should not drink alcohol!

The stomach contents can be regurgitated more easily when tea and coffee is consumed and so indigestion symptoms are worse.

The good bacteria in our stomachs is reduced by these foods and enzymes needed for digestion are also reduced. This basically makes it very difficult for us to absorb any nutrients!