Over-the-counter medicine for indigestion

Antacids can neutralise acid already in the stomach, while alginate products can form a floating barrier that reduces reflux. Acid-reducing medicines work in a different way and may take longer to have their full effect. These products do not treat every reason for indigestion: gastritis, peptic ulcer, Helicobacter pylori infection, gallstones or a hiatus hernia may need assessment. Relief after a dose does not prove the cause is harmless.

Read the label, follow its directions and check the active ingredients so you do not double up products. Ask a pharmacist before use if you are pregnant, have kidney disease, take regular medicines, or are buying medicine for a child. Some antacids interfere with absorption of other medicines, so spacing may be needed. Keep a note of how often you need relief and avoid taking products longer than the label advises without review.

Seek urgent help for severe chest or abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, vomiting blood, black stools, fainting or repeated vomiting. Arrange a clinician review if symptoms continue, recur soon after treatment, cause difficulty swallowing, wake you regularly, or accompany unexplained weight loss.

Ask which product matches your symptoms, whether it can interact with your current medicines, and when ongoing indigestion should be investigated.