Abdominal pain, commonly known as stomach pain, is a common condition that can vary from a slight discomfort to severe anguish. It may be due to various factors, such as indigestion, gases, ulcers or infections. When a stomach pain is experienced, finding relief becomes a priority for people looking to relieve their discomfort. Fortunately, there are several medications available that can effectively control abdominal pain and promote digestive health.
1. Antacids: These free sales medications are designed to neutralize excess stomach acid and relieve stomach burning, indigestion and stomach acidity. Antacids usually contain aluminum hydroxide, magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate as active ingredients, which act by reducing the level of acidity in the stomach. It is important to keep in mind that some antacids can cause side effects such as constipation or diarrhea, so it is advisable to read the instructions and consult a healthcare professional if the symptoms persist.
Contents
- Pro Tip:
- Fun Fact:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for stomach ache
- Prescription Medications for Stomach Ache
- Antacids: Relieving stomach ache by neutralizing stomach acid
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Reducing Stomach Acid Production
- H2 Blockers: Reducing Stomach Acid Secretion
- Antibiotics: Treating stomach ache caused by bacterial infections
- Antispasmodic medications: Relaxing stomach muscles to alleviate pain
- Benefits of Antispasmodic Medications
- Herbal remedies for stomach ache: Exploring natural alternatives
Pro Tip:
To obtain the maximum benefits of the antacids, follow the recommended dosing instructions and try to maintain a balanced diet. Avoid taking antacids in the two hours of other medications to avoid possible interactions.
2. Probiotics: Known as “good bacteria”, probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the intestine. They can be consumed through certain foods or taken as supplements. Probiotics are especially useful for treating stomach discomfort caused by imbalances in the gastrointestinal tract, such as irritable intestine syndrome (SII) or bacterial infections. Ongoing research suggests that probiotics may also have potential benefits for digestive health beyond simple abdominal pain relief.
| Probiotic strain | Main benefits |
|---|---|
| Lactobacillus Acidophilus | Help decompose lactose and improve digestion |
| Bifidobacterium bifidum | Improves immune function and favors a healthy intestinal transit |
| Saccharomyces Boulardii | It helps prevent diarrhea associated with antibiotics and favors intestinal health in general. |
Fun Fact:
Probiotics are found in various fermented foods such as yogurt, chucrut and kefir. Adding them to your diet can contribute to your general digestive wel l-being.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for stomach ache
1. Antacids: One of the most common over-the-counter medications for stomach pain are antacids. These medications work by neutralizing excess stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn, indigestion, and heartburn. Antacids usually contain ingredients such as calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or aluminum hydroxide. It is important to keep in mind that antacids can interfere with the absorption of certain medications, so it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using them.
Important: Antacids should not be used for more than two weeks without consulting a healthcare professional. Chronic use of antacids can cause electrolyte imbalances and other complications.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs are a type of medication that can provide long-lasting relief from stomach pain. They work by reducing stomach acid production, allowing the stomach lining to heal. PPIs are usually taken once a day and may take a few days to work. Some examples of PPIs are omeprazole and lansoprazole.
- H2 Blockers: H2 blockers are another type of medication that can effectively relieve stomach pain. They work by blocking histamine, a chemical that stimulates the production of stomach acid. By reducing the amount of acid produced, H2 blockers help relieve symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion. Famotidine and ranitidine are common examples of over-the-counter H2 blockers.
| Type of medication | Examples |
|---|---|
| Antacids | Calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide |
| Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) | Omeprazole, Lansoprazole |
| H2 blockers | Famotidine, Ranitidine |
It is essential to read and follow the instructions that accompany each medication, including the recommended dosage and duration of use. If symptoms persist or worsen despite the use of over-the-counter medications, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
Prescription Medications for Stomach Ache
Stomach pain can be a common symptom that arises for a variety of reasons, such as indigestion, gastrointestinal disorders, or stomach infections. While mild cases can often be treated with over-the-counter medications or home remedies, severe or chronic stomach pains may require prescription medications to relieve discomfort and address the underlying cause. Prescription medications play a crucial role in the specific relief and treatment of specific conditions associated with stomach pain.
1. Antacids: Antacids are a class of commonly prescribed medications that act neutralizing excess stomach acid. They provide a rapid relief of the stomach burning, indigestion and acid reflux, which can often cause stomach pain. Some popular antacids are
- Mylanta: This free sale antacid contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, which act together to neutralize stomach acid.
- Rolaids: Available in tablets or in liquid form, Rolaids contains calcium carbonate, which helps relieve stomach burning and acid indigestion.
- Gaviscon: Gavison forms a protective barrier on the content of the stomach, avoiding acid reflux and providing relief.
2. Protons pump inhibitors (IBP): IBP are a class of recipe sales that reduce the production of stomach acid. They are usually prescribed for conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (EGE) and peptic ulcers. The IBP acts inhibiting the enzyme responsible for the production of acid in the stomach. Some of the most prescribed IBP are
- Omeprazole (prilosec): This IBP can be acquired with both recipe and without it. It provides a durable relief by reducing the production of stomach acid.
- ESOMEPRAZOL (NEXIUM): NEXIUM is a powerful IBP that effectively controls acid reflux and associated stomach pain symptoms.
- LansoPrazole (Prevacid): Prevacid helps cure and prevent stomach ulcers by reducing the production of stomach acid.
Note: Recipe medications should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is essential to follow the dose and duration prescribed to guarantee an effective and safe stomach pain treatment and associated conditions.
Antacids: Relieving stomach ache by neutralizing stomach acid
What are antacids?
Antacids are free sales medications that are usually used to relieve symptoms associated with excess stomach acid. They act by neutralizing the acid present in the stomach, thus reducing the level of acidity and relieving stomach pain, acidity and indigestion. Antacids are usually available in various formulations, such as tablets, chewable tablets, liquids and effervescent powders.
Important information:
- Antacids should not be used as a lon g-term solution to treat stomach problems. If the symptoms persist or get worse, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
- It is essential to read and follow the instructions of the product container or the recommendations of a healthcare professional in terms of the dose and frequency of use of the antacid.
How do antacids act?
Antacids increase the stomach pH. They contain active ingredients such as magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate, which react with stomach acid to form salts and water. This chemical reaction effectively neutralizes excess acid, relieving stomach pain and other associated symptoms.
| Active ingredient | Commonly found in |
|---|---|
| Magnesium hydroxide | Maalox, Magnesia milk |
| Aluminum hydroxide | Amphojel, alternategel |
| Calcium carbonate | Tums, Rolaids |
| Sodium bicarbonate | Alka seltzer |
It is important to keep in mind that different antacids may have differential action and side effects. Some antacids can cause constipation or diarrhea, while others can interact with certain medications. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a health or pharmaceutical professional before starting any antacid treatment.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Reducing Stomach Acid Production
IBP are a class of medications specifically designed to reduce the production of stomach acid by inhibiting the action of gastric pumps of protons in the stomach coating. These pumps are responsible for the release of acid in the stomach and, when blocking their activity, IBP effectively decrease the amount of secreted acid.
The use of IBP is increasingly frequent in the treatment of various acidit y-related conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (EGE) and stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. The IBP act irreversible to protons pumps, deactivating them and significantly reducing the production of acid in the stomach. This reduction in acid levels relieves symptoms such as stomach pain, acid reflux and indigestion, allowing the injured tissues of the gastrointestinal tract to heal and recover.
- Omeprazole: Omeprazole, one of the most prescribed IBP, is very effective in reducing the production of stomach acid. It can be used to treat a series of acidit y-related conditions, such as the Gastric ERGE and ulcers.
- Esomeprazole: Similar to omeprazole, esomeprazole is another widely used IBP that provides relief of stomac h-related symptoms. It is usually prescribed to treat acid reflux, acidity and peptic ulcers.
| IBP | Commercial brand | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| Omeprazole | PRILOSEC | EGE, gastric ulcers, Zollinger-Cellison syndrome |
| Esomeprazole | NEXIUM | EGE, acid reflux, peptic ulcers |
H2 Blockers: Reducing Stomach Acid Secretion
H2 blockers, also known as H2 receptor antagonists, work inhibiting the stomach action. Histamine is a chemical released by the body that stimulates the production of stomach acid. By blocking the H2 receptors of the stomach mucosa, H2 blockers effectively reduce the amount of acid produced, thus reliabing stomach discomfort.
Below is a table with some of the most prescribed H2 blockers:
Medicine Commercial brand Dose Ranitidine Zantac Tablets, oral solution, injections Cimetidine Tagamet Tablets, oral solution Famotidin Pepcid Tablets, oral suspension Nizatidine Axid Tablets, capsules It is important to keep in mind that the specific dose and frequency of H2 blockers can vary depending on the state of each person and their medical history. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the H2 blocker and the most appropriate dose.
In general, H2 blockers are valuable medications to treat stomach pain and other related conditions, since they reduce the secretion of stomach acid. Understanding its mechanism of action and consulting with health professionals, people can find effective relief and improve their general digestive health.
Antibiotics: Treating stomach ache caused by bacterial infections
Bacterial infections in the stomach can be caused by various pathogens, such as Helicobacter pylori, which is a common bacterium associated with stomach ulcers and gastritis. These infections can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, swelling, nausea and vomiting. The timely and adequate use of antibiotics can help effectively treat these infections, providing relief to people suffering from stomach pain.
Important information:
- Antibiotics are effective in the treatment of stomach pain caused by bacterial infections.
- Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterium associated with stomach ulcers and gastritis.
- Bacterial infections can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, swelling, nausea and vomiting.
| Antibiotics usually used: | Habitual duration of treatment: |
|---|---|
| Amoxicillin | 7-14 days |
| Clarithromycin | 7-14 days |
| Metronidazole | 7-10 days |
| Tetracycline | 10-14 days |
Antispasmodic medications: Relaxing stomach muscles to alleviate pain
Benefits of Antispasmodic Medications
Antispasmodic medications offer several advantages to people who suffer stomach pain. These medications can effectively reduce the frequency and intensity of the muscle contractions of the stomach, responsible for the pain that is experienced during a stomach pain. When relaxing muscles, antispasmodics help relieve cramps and discomfort, allowing people to perform their daily activities without stomach pain preventing it. In addition, these medications can help regulate intestinal movements, relieving associated symptoms such as swelling and gases. In addition, antispasmodics have been shown to be effective for various gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable intestine syndrome (SII), inflammatory intestinal disease (EII) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (EGE).
Important information:
- Antispasmodic medications should only be taken according to prescription of a healthcare professional to guarantee adequate dose and use.
- It is important to comment with the doctor any disease or medication that is being taken to avoid possible interactions or contraindications.
- The most frequent side effects of antispasmodics can be drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision or urinary retention.
- Not all stomach pains require antispasmodics, and it is crucial to identify the underlying cause of pain before considering this treatment option.
In general, antispasmodics can be a valuable tool in stomach pain treatment. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the suitability of these medications based on individual circumstances and medical history. With adequate orientation and use, antispasmodics can help relieve stomach pain and improve general wel l-being.
Herbal remedies for stomach ache: Exploring natural alternatives
Ulcers, indigestion and abdominal pain can cause enormous discomfort and alter everyday life. Although conventional medications, such as antacids and analgesics, are widely used, plan t-based remedies have gained popularity for their possible therapeutic effects.
The Mint
It is a wel l-known herb that has been used to calm stomach pain and relieve indigestion. It has been discovered that it has ant i-inflammatory properties and can help relax the gastrointestinal tract muscles.
Ginger
Another popular grass has traditionally used to treat stomach problems and has shown promising results in reducing nausea and abdominal cramps.
- Mint – Known for its refreshing properties, it can help relieve stomach pain and indigestion.
- Ginger – used for centuries in traditional medicine, it has been discovered that ginger reduces nausea and abdominal cramps.
- Manzanilla – This herb has ant i-inflammatory properties and can help relieve stomach discomfort caused by ulcers and indigestion.
In addition to these individual herbs, there are also mixtures of herbs formulated specifically for stomach ailments. These mixtures usually combine several herbs known for their digestive properties, offering a complete approach to relieve stomach pain. However, it is important to keep in mind that, although herbal remedies can be effective, they may not work for everyone, so it is always advisable to consult a health professional.
| Grass | Main uses |
|---|---|
| The Mint | Relieve stomach pain and indigestion |
| Ginger | Reduces nausea, abdominal cramps |
| Chamomile | Relieve ulcers, indigestion |
