What should you know about liquid heartburn medication?

Some liquids neutralise acid already in the stomach, while others form a floating barrier that reduces acid moving into the food pipe. They may be useful for occasional burning after meals, sour taste or discomfort when lying down. Relief can be temporary and does not identify the cause. Heartburn is a symptom that can occur with acid reflux; gastritis, a hiatus hernia or a peptic ulcer can also produce upper-abdominal or chest discomfort.

Read the product directions and measure a liquid dose with the supplied device. Do not take more often than advised, and check with a pharmacist if you use medicines that need careful absorption timing. Reduce triggers that clearly affect you, such as large late meals, and remain upright after eating. If you need liquid treatment repeatedly, arrange a review so a clinician can consider acid reflux medication or another approach.

Seek urgent help for chest pressure, trouble breathing, fainting, sweating, vomiting blood or black stools. Arrange prompt medical advice for difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss or symptoms that keep returning despite treatment. New chest pain should not be assumed to be heartburn.

Ask what may be causing your pattern of symptoms, whether another medicine could be contributing, and how long self-treatment is appropriate. Bring the product name, dose and a list of medicines or supplements.