Cure for 'Blue Pill' Heartburn

[pattayachris]

Since being here in Thailand I have tried those magic blue pills in all their various forms and makes but they give me heartburn from hell.  I lay awake with the right affect but in agony from the indigestion they give me.
A friend told me to try MERACID which comes in a green box and you can buy from any pharmacy.
Works brilliantly.

[Drift Spunk]

I was riding quad bikes around and went through a track where I was dsoing some extreme x sport type jumps... that night after caining the inner sides of my legs form doing this I took a kamalgra and the inner legs were twitching!

[mirimark]

Let me give you a BLow Job, you'll never need a Lil' pill agian.
Theres no pill that can suplement Mirimark.
They call me Coffee cause I grind so fine.

[scorpioxxx]

I can empathise with you Pattayachris. I suffered with the same for years with spicy food, alcohol and the little blue pills. The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil Citrate, (citrate = acid), hence acid reflux/heartburn. That for me is history now as I discovered omeprazole. It is available over the counter  in 10mg & 20mg capsules and tablets ( called Losec and Prilosec in the US). The enteric coated tabs are better I find. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor, which basically reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces. Works a treat for me, but as with all medications you should seek medical advice. It takes a couple of days to take effect, and if you miss doses you start to feel it the next day.

[Snick]

Its also available in Thailand as 'Miracid' , about 100 baht for 14 capsules - Same as prilosec in USA.

Do NOT take it if you are taking antibiotics.

[thegame925]

Zantac (ranitidine)

Chronic indigestion related to meals or that disturbs sleep, but which is not related to any of the above conditions - (Often used for "heartburn" from viagra, ciallis, etc)

Main Use Active Ingredient Manufacturer
Stomach and duodenal ulcers  Ranitidine hydrochloride. GlaxoSmithKline

How does it work?

Zantac tablets, effervescent tablets, syrup and injection all contain the active ingredient ranitidine, which is a type of medicine called an H2 receptor antagonist. (NB. Ranitidine is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Ranitidine acts in the stomach to decrease the production of stomach acid.

Ranitidine works by blocking histamine H2 receptors that are found on the cells in the stomach lining. A natural body chemical called histamine normally binds to these receptors, causing the cells to produce stomach acid. By blocking the H2 receptors, ranitidine prevents histamine from binding to them. This stops the cells from producing stomach acid.

Stomach acid is produced in the stomach as a normal part of the digestive process. Normally the linings of the stomach and duodenum (an area of the intestine directly after the stomach) are protected by a layer that resists acid attack. However, if this layer is damaged, or large amounts of stomach acid are formed, an ulcer can develop on the lining of the stomach or duodenum. This is called a peptic ulcer.

Acid produced in the stomach can also sometimes flow back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This is called gastro-oesophageal reflux, and can cause pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn. It can also irritate and damage the lining of the oesophagus, causing a condition called reflux oesophagitis.

By reducing the production of stomach acid, ranitidine can be used to treat all these and other conditions. It stops excess acid flowing back into the foodpipe and can be used to relieve heartburn symptoms associated with acid reflux. It also allows the oesophagus to heal in reflux oesophagitis.

By reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and duodenum ranitidine relieves the symptoms of indigestion. It also allows peptic ulcers to heal, and prevents them from recurring. Ranitidine can be given together with antibiotics to help eradicate bacteria called Helicobacter pylori from the stomach. These bacteria can contribute to the formation of peptic ulcers. Ranitidine helps create an environment in the gut in which the antibiotics can be more effective at killing the bacteria.

Ranitidine can also be used to prevent and treat peptic ulcers that can occur as a side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac.

Ranitidine is also used to depress stomach acid production in various other conditions. It is used in varying doses and for varying lengths of time depending on the condition being treated.

What is it used for?

In adults:
Treating peptic ulcers.
Treating duodenal ulcers associated with H pylori infection (in combination with antibiotics).
Treating and preventing peptic ulcers in people taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Preventing recurrent bleeding in people with bleeding peptic ulcers.
Preventing bleeding from stress ulceration in the gut in people who are critically ill, eg in intensive care.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Excessive secretion of stomach acid due to a tumour or enlargement of the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
Chronic indigestion related to meals or that disturbs sleep, but which is not related to any of the above conditions.
Preventing inhalation of acid from the stomach (acid aspiration) whilst under general anaesthetic.


Warning!
Stomach cancer can have similar symptoms to stomach ulcers, and these symptoms can be relieved by ranitidine. For this reason, if it is suspected that you have a stomach ulcer, your doctor should exclude the possibility of stomach cancer before you start treatment with this medicine. This is particularly important if you are middle aged or older and have new or recently changed symptoms. Otherwise, this medicine could mask the symptoms of stomach cancer and therefore delay diagnosis of this condition.

A large study has recently suggested that elderly people and people with diabetes, chronic lung disease, or an underactive immune system (for example due to treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or diseases such as HIV) may have a higher risk of developing pneumonia while they are taking H2 receptor antagonist medicines such as this one. Ask your doctor for more information. While you are taking this medicine you should tell your doctor if you develop a cough or chest infection.

Use with caution in
Decreased kidney function.

Zantac effervescent tablets contain aspartame. As a result they should be used with caution in people with an inherited disorder of protein metabolism called phenylketonuria. The effervescent tablets also contain sodium, and so should be used with caution in people whose intake of sodium should be restricted.

Zantac syrup contains alcohol and as a result may not be suitable for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or other high risk groups.


Not to be used in
History of blood disorders called porphyrias.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.


Rare (affect between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 people)
Allergic reaction.
Skin rash.
Alteration in results of liver function tests.

Very rare (affect fewer than 1 in 10,000 people)
Diarrhoea.
Headache.
Dizziness.
Blurred vision.
Slow heart rate (bradycardia).
Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Inflammation of the kidney (acute interstitial nephritis).
Reversible impotence.
Hair loss (alopecia).
Pain in the muscles or joints.
Confusion.
Depression.
False perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations).
Decrease in the normal number of blood cells in the blood.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

As ranitidine lowers the acidity in the gut it may reduce the absorption of the following medicines, which could make them less effective:
atazanavir
cefpodoxime
dipyridamole
itraconazole
ketoconazole
posaconazole.
Ask your pharmacist for advice if you are taking any of these.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient
Prescription-only products:
Histac  Ranitic Ranitil
Ranitidine tablets, effervescent tablets, oral solution and injection are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.

Non-prescription products:

Gavilast Gavilast-P Lloydspharmacy Indigestion Relief 75mg tablets
Ranzac Zantac 75 Zantac 75 relief

Ranitidine 75mg tablets can also be bought over-the-counter without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.


Last updated 08.09.2008
Direct Link to Net Doctor re Zantac

[thegame925]

Gaviscon

Main Use Active Ingredient Manufacturer
Heartburn Sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate. Reckitt Benckiser

How does it work?

Gaviscon liquid, Gaviscon 250 tablets and Gaviscon extra strength tablets all contain three active ingredients: sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate. (NB. Gaviscon extra strength tablets and larger packs of Gaviscon liquid and 250 tablets are only available from pharmacies.) The three active ingredients of Gaviscon work together to relieve the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux, such as heartburn.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux is stomach acid flowing from the stomach back into the food pipe (oesophagus). Various conditions can cause reflux as a result of the pressure they exert on the stomach, for example, pregnancy and hiatus hernia. Reflux can cause symptoms such as indigestion, acid regurgitation, or the painful burning sensation of heartburn. Over long periods of time the acid can also damage and inflame the lining of the foodpipe. This condition is known as reflux oesophagitis.

The active ingredients of Gaviscon are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead they work by forming a "raft" that floats on the surface of the stomach contents, physically preventing the acid from flowing back into the foodpipe.

Sodium alginate is a naturally occuring substance that is found in a particular type of seaweed. In the presence of the calcium carbonate it reacts with the acid in the stomach to form a gel. Sodium bicarbonate also reacts with the acid in the stomach to form bubbles of carbon dioxide. These bubbles are trapped by the gel and they allow the gel to float like a raft on top of the stomach contents.

The raft prevents acid in the stomach from flowing back into the food pipe. This relieves the symptoms of reflux such as heartburn. In the case of reflux oesophagitis it not only relieves the symptoms, but also protects the inflamed foodpipe from the acid and allows it to heal.

The raft lasts for about three to four hours on top of the stomach contents and is then broken down in the digestive system and excreted in the faeces.

What is it used for?


Relieving the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux, such as heartburn
Reflux oesophagitis


Warning!
This medicine contains sodium and may not suitable for people on a strict salt restricted diet, eg those with heart or kidney disease. Ask your pharmacist for advice.


If symptoms persist after treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.


Very rarely, allergic reactions such as itchy rash (urticaria) or breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)


The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to interact with any other medicines.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredients

Gaviscon cool Peptac


Direct Link to Net Doctor - Gaviscon

[bigmick22]

I love Gaviscon - great stuff

history of stomach ulcers in the family and Gaviscon is our friend

[jimslim]

A good bowl of porridge in the morning and any man will be ready for anything the day throws at him

[kevin4252]

I swear by Zantac here in , bought aknockoff from India in BKK trip or 3 ago, in similiar colored box, no effect at all.

[bigmick22]

what about the ulster fry with potato farls and soda bread?

[kathylc]

(bigmick22 @ Nov. 27 2008,21:27) what about the ulster fry with potato farls and soda bread?

What the hell is that........ something that chases you down and eats you or is it something you hunt down like a Fox?

[mirimark]

thegame925 Dude, I Love reading your posts.
Your quite the smart chap and a Fantastic writer.

Your an artist my friend.
Much respect to you brother. (keep on trucking)

Now shut the hell up for second and pull you pants down.

[69billy]

(pattayachris @ Nov. 27 2008,03:58) Since being here in Thailand I have tried those magic blue pills in all their various forms and makes but they give me heartburn from hell.  I lay awake with the right affect but in agony from the indigestion they give me.

Same same me...So now I use Cialis...No problem...

[bigmick22]

(kathylc @ Nov. 27 2008,19:38)

(bigmick22 @ Nov. 27 2008,21:27) what about the ulster fry with potato farls and soda bread?

What the hell is  that........ something that chases you down and eats you or is it something you hunt  down like a Fox?

see here for ulster fry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulster_fry#Ulster_fry

absolutely yummy

pics below of 1. ulster fry 2. potato farls and 3. soda bread