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Digestive
Time for a gut check.
We all know what it's like to deal with unpleasant and uncomfortable digestive issues. Too much food, too much coffee, and even stress can trigger such symptoms as nausea, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, and gas. That's why it’s important to remember to treat each of your symptoms safely and effectively — starting with knowing and understanding which over-the-counter (OTC) solutions are available and how they can help make you feel better fast.
Heartburn
Also referred to as acid reflux, heartburn is an uncomfortable, painful, or burning feeling in your chest or throat that may begin after a meal and last a few minutes to many hours. It happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Other symptoms may include a hot, sour, or acidic fluid felt in the back of your throat, as well as a cough that lasts for a while, sore throat, or hoarse voice.
If you experience heartburn, you know it's more than just uncomfortable or painful - it can affect your daily life. It can also disrupt sleep, productivity at work, and social occasions. It's important not to ignore your symptoms. Even a small amount of stomach acid can cause significant pain or discomfort. If left untreated, the stomach acid that causes heartburn can even damage your esophagus and teeth.
Heartburn Treatments
When deciding how to treat your heartburn symptoms, there are many options to consider. Occasional and frequent heartburn is relatively common and can be managed with lifestyle changes as well as with certain OTC medicines. There are also several lifestyle changes that you can make to help reduce or avoid the symptoms of heartburn including, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and/or practicing relaxation techniques.
More chronic or severe cases of heartburn can result from a diagnosed condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and may require more intensive medical care such as using prescription (Rx) medicines or even surgery. For more information about safely treating your heartburn symptoms, check out this advice from one of our medical experts.
Antacids
These medicines provide quick heartburn relief by neutralizing or weakening the stomach acid. They usually come as a liquid, chewy bites, or a tablet that you dissolve in water to drink. While antacids are quick and convenient, they don't prevent future episodes of heartburn.
Other examples of OTC Antacids:
- Gaviscon®, Gelusil®, Mylanta®
Contains the active ingredients Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Carbonate
- Alka-Seltzer®, Zegerid OTC®
Contains the active ingredient Sodium Bicarbonate
- Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
Safe Use Tips for
Antacids
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should take, and when you should not take the product.
- Talk to your healthcare provider if you still experience heartburn symptoms after taking these medicines. Persistent heartburn symptoms may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
- Unless directed by your doctor, do not take heartburn medicines more often than directed on the label.
- Heartburn medicines can interact with other medicines, so tell your pharmacist or healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking.
- Infants and children can experience heartburn. Treatment for heartburn in children is determine by a healthcare provider based on the child’s age, overall health and medical history, and severity of symptoms.
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
H2 Blockers
These medicines are named after the receptor they block, the H2 receptor, which reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes. Symptom relief from H2 blockers tends to last longer than antacids, but it also takes longer for them to start working. One H2 blocker tablet can be taken before a meal to prevent heartburn or after a meal to relieve heartburn. Typically, you should not take more than two tablets in a 24-hour period.
Other examples of OTC H2 blockers:
- Tagamet®
Contains the active ingredient Cimetidine
- PEPCID®
Contains the active ingredient Famotidine
- Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
Safe Use Tips for
H2 Blockers
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should take, and when you should not take the product.
- Talk to your healthcare provider if you still experience heartburn symptoms after taking these medicines. Persistent heartburn symptoms may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
- Unless directed by your doctor, do not take heartburn medicines more often than directed on the label.
- Heartburn medicines can interact with other medicines, so tell your pharmacist or healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking.
- Infants and children can experience heartburn. Treatment for heartburn in children is determine by a healthcare provider based on the child’s age, overall health and medical history, and severity of symptoms.
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
These medicines are used to treat frequent heartburn (occurs two or more days a week) by blocking the production of stomach acid at its source. OTC PPIs should be taken once a day (in the morning before a meal) for 14 days, up to three times per year, unless directed by a doctor. They take one to four days to work.
Other examples of OTC proton pump inhibitors (PPIs):
- Prevacid® 24HR
Contains the active ingredient Lansoprazole
- Zegerid OTC®
Contains the active ingredients Omeprazole and Sodium Bicarbonate
Safe Use Tips for
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should take, and when you should not take the product.
- Talk to your healthcare provider if you still experience heartburn symptoms after taking these medicines. Persistent heartburn symptoms may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
- Unless directed by your doctor, do not take heartburn medicines more often than directed on the label.
- Heartburn medicines can interact with other medicines, so tell your pharmacist or healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking.
- Infants and children can experience heartburn. Treatment for heartburn in children is determine by a healthcare provider based on the child’s age, overall health and medical history, and severity of symptoms.
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Diarrhea
We’ve all been there. You know it’s diarrhea when your poop is loose and watery, resulting in you making several urgent trips to the bathroom in a short period of time. You may also experience cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, fever, and/or vomiting. In most cases, diarrhea lasts 2-3 days and can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. For mild cases, the most important thing you can do is to stay hydrated as the diarrhea runs its course and avoid foods that will make your symptoms worse.
For more serious cases, when diarrhea lasts more than three days, or a child has been experiencing symptoms for more than 24 hours, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider.
Diarrhea Treatments
While most of the time minor bouts of diarrhea do not need to be treated, there are some OTC medicines that can help you find fast relief.
Antidiarrheals
These medicines can help to slow or stop loose, watery poops. But you shouldn’t take them for very long. You should also see your doctor if you find that you rely on these medicines often. They may help you find temporary relief, but it’s important to find out what is causing your diarrhea in the first place.
Safe Use Tips for
Skin Protectants
Safe Use Tips for First-Aid Antibiotics
Safe Use Tips for First-Aid Antiseptics
Other examples of OTC antidiarrheals:
- Kaopectate®, Maalox®
Contains the active ingredient Bismuth subsalicylate
- Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
Safe Use Tips for
Antidiarrheals
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should take, and when you should not take the product.
You should never take more medicine or for a longer period of time than what the Drug Facts label says. You should drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.
Constipation
Constipation, or occasional irregularity, is a fairly common condition that is defined as hard, dry poop that is difficult to pass. While normal bowel movements vary from person to person, you may be suffering from constipation if you have to strain excessively, pass less than three poops in a week, and have a “blocked” feeling in your rectal area.
There are many reasons why you may not be pooping regularly, including poor diet, dehydration, and lack of exercise. The root cause of constipation is when the muscle contractions in the colon become sluggish or the colon absorbs too much water, which makes the stool become hard and dry and move too slowly through the colon.
Constipation Treatments
Laxatives, like all over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, contain certain active ingredients that make the products work in the human body. There are six basic types of OTC laxatives, listed below. Depending on the product type, laxatives can be taken orally or inserted into the rectum. Some laxatives may contain more than one active ingredient.
Saline Laxatives
These medicines draw water into the colon, which helps you to poop. OTC saline laxatives that are taken orally generally produce a bowel movement within six to 12 hours. Those that are used rectally generally produce a bowel movement within two to 15 minutes.
- Fleet® Laxative, Saline Enema
Contains the active ingredients Monobasic sodium phosphate and Dibasic sodium phosphate
- Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
Safe Use Tips for
Saline Laxatives
Lubricant Laxatives
These medicines coat the intestinal tract and soften the poop, which helps to lessen straining and promote a bowel movement. OTC lubricant laxatives that are taken orally, they generally produce a bowel movement within six to eight hours. Those that are used rectally generally produce a bowel movement within two to 15 minutes.
- Fleet® Mineral Oil Lubricant Laxative Enema
Contains the active ingredient Mineral Oil
- Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
Safe Use Tips for
Lubricant Laxatives
Stimulant Laxatives
These medicines cause rhythmic muscle contractions in the intestines which promote bowel movement. OTC stimulant laxatives that are taken orally generally produce a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. Those that are used rectally generally produce a bowel movement within two to 15 minutes.
- Dulcolax®, Fleet®
Contains the active ingredient Bisacodyl
- Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
Safe Use Tips for
Stimulant Laxatives
Bulk-forming Laxatives
These medicines increase bulk volume and water content of the poop, which promotes a healthy bowel movement. These OTC products are for oral use and must be taken with plenty of fluid. Bulk-forming laxatives generally produce a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours.
- Metamucil®
Contains the active ingredient Psyllium
- Store Brands (ex. Walmart’s “Equate” store brand or CVS Health store brand)
Safe Use Tips for
Bulk-forming Laxatives
Hyperosmotic Laxatives
These medicines attract water into the poop, which promotes a healthy bowel movement. OTC hyperosmotic laxatives in suppository form are intended to be inserted into the rectum and generally produce a bowel movement within 15 minutes to one hour. If taken orally, they generally product a bowel movement in one to three days.
- MiraLAX®
Contains the active ingredients Glycerin and Polyethylene glycol 3350
- Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
Safe Use Tips for
Hyperosmotic Laxatives
Stool Softener Laxatives
These medicines penetrate and moisten the poop, which prevents dryness and promotes a bowel movement. OTC stool softeners that are taken orally generally produce a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. Those that are used rectally generally produce a bowel movement within two to 15 minutes.
- Senokot-S®, Dulcolax®, Colace®
Contains the active ingredient Docusate Sodium
- Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
Safe Use Tips for
Stool Softener Laxatives
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should take, and when you should not take the product.
- Ask a healthcare provider before using a laxative if you have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or have noticed a sudden change in bowel habits lasting for two weeks.
- Stop using a laxative and contact your healthcare provider if you have rectal bleeding or no bowel movement after use. These could be signs of a serious condition.
- When using an enema, be careful not to use force when inserting the product’s tip into the rectum.
- If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to a doctor before using a laxative.
- Talk to a healthcare provider before using a suppository on a child under the age of two. Discontinue use of a suppository on a child if you encounter resistance. Forcing product insertion may cause injury. OTC laxatives are available in different dosage strengths. Do not give any medicine to a child that is only intended for use in an adult.
Gas
As you digest food, gas is a normal result of the process. But while it's an ordinary occurrence, it can be painful and embarrassing at times.
Gas Treatments
In addition to making changes to your diet and ensuring you chew food properly, there are also over-the-counter (OTC) medicines available to temporarily find relief.
Anti-Gas
These medicines work by changing the surface tension of gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines. They usually come in the form of a tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, or a liquid.
Other examples of OTC anti-gas products:
- Gas-X®, Gelusil®, Little Tummys®, Mylanta®, Mylicon®, Phazyme®
Contains the active ingredient Simethicone
- Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)”
Safe Use Tips for
Anti-Gas
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should take, and when you should not take the product. You should never take more medicine or for a longer period of time than what the Drug Facts label says.
Homeopathic Products
Homeopathic digestive health products are derived from plants, minerals, and animal substances that are known for their pharmacological or biological actions. For safety, read all instructions and warnings on the product label before taking any homeopathic product and follow all dosing instructions.
OTC homeopathic digestive medicines include:
- Antimonium crudum
- Arsenicum album
- Chelidonium majus
- Colocynthis
- Nux vomica
Safety Tips for
Digestive
Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid active ingredient available in over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. It can be found in heartburn medicines that contain other antacid active ingredients or in medicines that contain acid reducer active ingredients.
Simethicone is available in over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that help relieve pressure and bloating, commonly referred to as gas. Simethicone can be the only ingredient in anti-gas medicines or it can be found in medicines that treat symptoms such as heartburn or diarrhea.
