Symptoms
An upset stomach is a condition, that when left untreated, can cause a person to be absolutely miserable. A variety of factors can be behind this, and the #1 culprit is spicy foods. Many people understand that they will suffer from eating certain foods, and take preventive measures or stay away from these items. I prefer trying to take a Tagamet or Pepcid pill before eating, so an upset stomach will not affect my quality of life. If I do not have these medicines, my stomach will burn and cause me to have gas. There is considerable amount of pain, and this causes a churning sensation that is far from pleasant.
CVS Brand Antacid
I have had considerable success with those former prescription medicines, which can now be found in the OTC section of any pharmacy. However, before I tried these, I used many liquid antacids with varying levels of results. The CVS brand Cooling Mint Liquid Antacid, was one that failed miserably. The taste alone is enough to consider living with an upset stomach, and the only item to compare it to is the Keebler’s Mint Cookies. Those cookies are so overwhelmingly mint tasting, that they can cause a negative reaction. The CVS antacid Cooling Mint is 10 times as powerful, and I couldn’t even bear drinking it with my nose pinched. I know medicine is not supposed to taste good, but this antacid is repulsive.
The main disappointment, is how ineffective the CVS brand liquid antacid is. It would take over an hour to feel any positive effects, which are negligible. I would guess that most acid indigestion symptoms disappear after an hour, so this is more nature running its course than any effectiveness from the medicine. After an hour, the rumbling/churning sensations would decrease a bit, but not completely go away. The level of gas decreased, but it was still prevalent. There is nothing more painful than constant gas, and this medicine fails to deliver the necessary relief. Sadly, once the pain starts to abate, it comes back with vengeance after drinking this. It only lasts for about an hour, and the completely wears off. I find this to be unacceptable, considering this condition can make or break a day.
Directions
Shake well. Adults and children over 12 years old, take 2-4 tsp. Up to four times daily. Children under 12, consult with a doctor.
Active Ingredients Listed on Bottle
Aluminum Hydroxide 200mg, Magnesium Hydroxide 200mg, Simethicone 20mg
Inactive Ingredients Listed on Bottle
Butylparaben, Carboxymethylcelluolose Sodium, Flavor, Hypromellose, Propylparaben, Purified Water, Saccharin Sodium, Simethicone Emulsion, Sorbitol, Calcium, Magnesium.
Warnings
Do not use without consulting a doctor, if you have kidney conditions or if you have restrictions for magnesium.
Price
$3.49 (12 oz)
$4.99 (26 oz)
Thoughts on Antacids
These medicines have greatly improved my quality of life, and I can eat spicy foods within reasonable amounts. I personally like Tagamet and Pepcid pills, as I think they are the most effective on controlling these painful symptoms. For the liquid medicines, I prefer Pepto Bismol and Immodium AD. While they do not have a enjoyable taste either, they do not overwhelm you with the flavor of the CVS brand. They do not taste as nasty either, and seem to work more effectively. Although Pepto and Immodium do not work as well as the former prescription pills, they are a viable alternative for individuals preferring a liquid based medicine.
