Treating indigestion
TREATING INDIGESTION
Although you should encourage your customer to avoid the triggers of indigestion as much as possible, sometimes causes are non-modifiable. Customers may seek treatment to help prevent symptoms from recurring or to bring fast relief when they do occur.
Knowledge about products and/or ingredients for indigestion will help you to make suitable recommendations based on your customer’s needs.
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Alkaline tablets or liquids that reduce/neutralise stomach acid by altering (raising) its pH level. They work quickly and are best taken with or after meals and before going to bed. Examples include magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate.
Who are they suitable for?
Customers who are actively suffering from symptoms of indigestion, including acid reflux and heartburn. They help to relieve symptoms quickly and last for a few hours; however, long-term use is not recommended.
These ingredients interact with stomach acid to form a thick, protective, gel-like layer (raft) on top of the stomach contents. This acts as a physical barrier to help reduce acid reflux. They are best taken after meals (results are longer-lasting) and before going to bed. Active ingredients include sodium alginate and calcium carbonate.
Some products include a combination of antacids and alginates.
Who are they suitable for?
People who are looking for fast-acting symptom relief. They can be considered for those who usually suffer from symptoms at night as the raft can help to form a protective barrier and reduce the risk of acid reflux when the body is inverted while lying down.5,7 While these products help to relieve symptoms in the short term, they should not be taken regularly or for long periods.4
Available as capsules or tablets, they reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole and esomeprazole, are common examples. Histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2-blockers) such as cimetidine and ranitidine work in a similar way.
Who are they suitable for?
Although the OTC versions of these medicines are indicated for the short-term treatment of reflux symptoms in adults, they are often prescribed as a form of prevention too. As they may take a while to take full effect, they are not a suitable option for those seeking immediate relief.
THESE MEDICATIONS MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE.
It is important to speak with your pharmacist if the customer is taking any medication/has any medical conditions or if they are pregnant* or breastfeeding.
*Care should be taken when recommending medicines for use in pregnancy as medicines can cross the placenta and may affect the fetus.
*IRI unit sales data 52 w/e 01 March 2025
†For verification please contact consumerhealthuk@bayer.com
FIND OUT MORE
INGREDIENTS:8,9
Calcium carbonate (680mg), heavy magnesium carbonate (80mg)
INDICATION:8,9
For the effective relief of acid indigestion, nervous indigestion, heartburn, upset stomach, biliousness, flatulence, overindulgence in food and drink and indigestion during pregnancy.
DOSE:8-11
Adults and children over 12 years: 2 tablets to be sucked or chewed as a single dose, as required, preferably 1 hour after meals and before bedtime. For heartburn, an additional 2 tablets may be taken between these times. The maximum dose of 10 tablets a day should not be exceeded.
Children under 12 years: Not recommended.
Rennie tablets should NOT be taken for more than 14 days without consulting a doctor.
Rennie tablets can be taken during pregnancy and while breastfeeding as long as it is taken according to the instructions.*
All customers should always be advised to read the patient information leaflet before consumption to check suitability and understanding.
BENEFITS:
Rennie tablets are fast-acting and vegan friendly. The chewable format is convenient for customers on the go and a reliable option for those seeking relief from indigestion.
*Care should be taken when recommending medicines for use in pregnancy
as medicines can cross the placenta and may affect the fetus
Customers should always be advised to read the patient information leaflet before consumption.