Attention all spicy food lovers! If you are like many people you love Mexican food, Chinese, and basically all if any, spicy and greasy foods because after all, ?they are simply delish ?. Even diet fanatics will dip into their secret cravings every now and then for some good old fashion burger and fries. So, what do you do when you when get that heartburn that won’t go away? Reach for your antacids, milk of magnesia, Tums, Maalox, Amphojel, Alternagel, Mylanta, Rolaids or Pepto- Bismol? These are just a few antacids that are intended to temporarily relieve heartburn, neutralize stomach acid, acid indigestion and upset stomach.

They are also recommended to relieve the pain of ulcers and some contain an ingredient called Simethicone that helps eliminate excess gas. These are some ?up sides? to antacids but take into caution the ?down sides?. Most of these antacids contain ingredients such as magnesium that causes diarrhea or aluminum for that feeling of constipation.

If Antacids work for you, great! But keep in mind that they are made for temporary relief and are not intended for long term use. On a serious note, if you are using antacids for heart burn you should take as directed by your doctor, according to the manufacturer’s directions. If you are using the tablets, chew them before swallowing for faster relief against heartburn that won’t go away.

Serious side effects can occur with an overdose or overuse of antacids which usually occurs because of long term use and a build up of tolerance to the medication. Side effects include constipation, diarrhea, changes in the color of bowl movements, and stomach cramps.

Where do you turn when antacids no longer do the trick and you are taking more than the recommended amount? You can always go to your good old doctor and tell him/her that you are taking too many antacids and suffering from constipation that is killing you more quickly than the acid reflux.

He will then do either two things depending on how severe your symptoms have become at this point, Prescription drugs, or H2 antagonists ?over the counter strength. More than likely he will try you take OTC antagonists first which is nothing but acid blockers for heart burn. These drugs relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach, with many different options that are available over the counter as well as prescription strength. Examples of H2 antagonists that are available over the counter include:

? Axid AR

? Pepcid AC

? Tagamet HB

? Zantac 75

The FDA has approved the proton pump inhibitors prevacid, Prilosec, and Zegerid for over-the-counter use to treat heartburn that won’t go away or occurs in more than two episodes per week, for 14 days. This drug also come in prescription strength and is intended to be taken in accordance to the directions provided by your doctor. You should consult with your doctor if your symptoms persists or get worst over a two week period.