Remedies for common family ailments: 1. Indigestion and heartburn

Antacids are a useful remedy for the common complaint of indigestion. But if indigestion persists, the patient should seek medical advice and look at whether his or her life-style is contributing. Antacids should be taken in response to symptoms, usually after meals, to react to the surge of acid produced by the body to digest food. Antacids can interfere with drug absorption, so patients on other medications should ask a pharmacist's advice on the timing of their antacid dose. Liquid or soluble preparations act faster than tablets. Take care before recommending an antacid if your patient is: a) pregnant (most over-the-counter antacids are not contraindicated in pregnancy, but it is safest to check with the doctor or pharmacist, particularly for someone in early pregnancy) b)suffering from symptoms which might suggest a more serious, undiagnosed condition, eg cancer. c) already on other medication or on a low-sodium diet.