Peptac

Indigestion is often caused by your stomach producing too much acid, which can irritate the stomach’s lining. Symptoms can include feeling bloated and full, belching, trapped wind, flatulence, feeling sick, pain and discomfort in your upper abdomen, and heartburn. These symptoms usually occur after eating or drinking and can be more common at night (especially heartburn).

Heartburn is the result of stomach acid travelling up your oesophagus (food pipe). This effect is known as acid reflux. The acid irritates the lining of your oesophagus, resulting in a burning feeling in your chest. The antacids in Peptac work by neutralising stomach acid. Raft-forming agents such as sodium alginate help relieve heartburn by forming a layer of foam at the top of the stomach, preventing acid from refluxing up the oesophagus.

You can take Peptac to relieve indigestion or prevent it from occurring. To prevent indigestion, you should take the medication after meals and just before going to bed. Dosing is age dependent. Adults and children over twelve can take 10-20ml up to four times a day. Children aged six to twelve can have 5-10ml up to four times a day. It is best to avoid drinking alcohol when you have indigestion because it can worsen your symptoms.

As always, do not take the medication if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in it. Peptac is not suitable for children under six. Talk to your doctor if you have been recommended to follow a low-sodium or calcium diet, as the medication may not be suitable for you.

You should speak to your doctor urgently if you have any of the following:

• ongoing symptoms of indigestion for more than two weeks
• unexpected weight loss
• difficulty swallowing
• blood in your stools
• severe pain
• ongoing vomiting
• blood in your vomit

Peptac can interact with other medications such as certain antibiotics (called tetracyclines and quinolones). If you take any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medicines, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist to check whether it is safe for you to take Peptac. They may recommend you take your usual medications at a different time than Peptac.

Most people that take Peptac do not experience any side effects. However, like with any medication, in rare cases, some people may experience an allergic reaction. Seek urgent medical advice if you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction such as a skin rash, shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in your chest or throat, or swelling of your tongue, mouth, lips, face, or throat.