Unknowingly Rely on Antacids After Every Meal?
It’s common for people to take an antacid or anti-ulcer medication along with antibiotics. But the question arises: do you need to take antacids with every antibiotic? If not, which antibiotics require the use of antacids? Let’s explore this further.
1. Why Antacids Are Used with Certain Antibiotics
Antacids or anti-ulcer medications primarily neutralize the acid in the stomach and reduce acid secretion. Therefore, these medications should only be taken with drugs that increase acid secretion. Other Topics->>
2. When It’s Crucial to Pair Antacids with Antibiotics
You might need to take an antacid with medications that cause bloating, increase heartburn, or lead to nausea or loss of appetite. For example, pain relievers, steroids, heart medications, blood thinners, iron tablets, and some antibiotics like tetracycline and ciprofloxacin may require the use of antacids.
3. Why Take Antacids Before Meals?
Taking antacids after meals can reduce their effectiveness by 50%. That’s why it’s recommended to take them at least 30 minutes before a meal. If you forget, you can take them 30 minutes after eating, but remember that their effectiveness will be significantly reduced.
4. Potential Problems with Indiscriminate Antacid Use
- Loss of Beneficial Stomach Bacteria: Unnecessary use of antacids can kill essential stomach bacteria.
- Nutrient Absorption Issues: Antacids can interfere with the absorption of nutrients like folic acid, calcium, and iron.
- Reduced Effectiveness of Other Medications: Antacids can diminish the effectiveness of other medications.
To ensure proper usage, it’s important to avoid the common misconception of taking antacids with every antibiotic and to understand when their use is actually necessary. So you have to take antacids after meal
Author: Dr. Shimu Akter, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Jahurul Islam Medical College, Bajitpur, Kishoreganj. Read More->>
Drinking Milk Causes Weight Gain