Antacid: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Antacid is an antacid for quick relief of acidity. It is used for heartburn, acidity, indigestion and wind. In Pakistan it is available as syrup, tablets, suspension, sachets and gel, made by 17 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Antacid works
Antacids are alkaline salts that react with stomach acid and neutralise it, so the stomach contents become less acidic and less irritating within minutes. Simethicone helps small gas bubbles join together so wind passes more easily, and alginates form a protective layer on top of the stomach contents.
What is Antacid used for?
- Heartburn
- Acidity
- Indigestion
- Wind
Antacid products are used for quick relief of heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach and discomfort after meals. Many combine aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, and some also contain simethicone for trapped wind or an alginate to help stop acid rising into the food pipe. They ease symptoms but do not heal ulcers or treat the cause of repeated acidity.
Side effects of Antacid
Antacid products are usually well tolerated when used occasionally. Possible side effects include:
- Constipation, mainly with aluminium or calcium salts
- Diarrhoea, mainly with magnesium salts
- Belching or wind
- Nausea
See a doctor promptly if you have black or bloody stools, vomit blood, have difficulty swallowing, lose weight without trying, or have chest pain that may not be heartburn.
Precautions and warnings
- Leave a gap of a couple of hours between an antacid and other medicines such as iron, some antibiotics and thyroid tablets, as antacids can stop them being absorbed.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have kidney disease, as aluminium and magnesium can build up in the body.
- Some liquids contain a lot of sodium, which matters if you have heart failure or high blood pressure or are on a low-salt diet.
- If you need antacids regularly for more than two weeks, see a doctor to find the cause.
- Ask a pharmacist before giving antacids to young children or using them during pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions about Antacid
What is the price of Antacid in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Antacid products currently in stock range from Rs 78 to Rs 806 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Magalcid 120ml Syrup at Rs 78. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Antacid are available in Pakistan?
Antacid is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Trisil (Efroze Chemical Industries (PVT.) Ltd), Gestofil (Qarshi Industries Ltd), Citro (Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Ltd), Colenticon (Pacific Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Dijex (Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Ltd), Globocid (Global Pharmaceuticals), Filcid (Alaq) and Aluphagel (Opal Laboratories (PVT.) Ltd), along with 19 more brands listed below.Do I need a prescription for Antacid?
Antacid is generally available without a prescription. Read the leaflet before use and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially for children, during pregnancy, or if you take other medicines.
Can Antacid be used during pregnancy?
Ask a pharmacist before giving antacids to young children or using them during pregnancy.
Are all Antacid brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Antacid in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Antacid brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 20+ products containing Antacid from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
