Medication for heartburn during pregnancy | Heartburn during pregnancy

Medication for heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn during pregnancy means a very high level of suffering for some women, as the pain is often unbearable.If giving up certain foods and caffeine does not help, there is the possibility of treating heartburn with medication. However, drugs for heartburn during an existing pregnancy should only be taken after careful consultation with the treating physician, as there is no reliable information available as to whether the drugs could harm an unborn child. There are three different groups of medication to choose from: The first group are the antacids.

These are based on the reduction of the acidic environment within the stomach. Antacids are basic drugs that reduce the concentration of protons in the stomach. Since protons (positively charged hydrogen atoms) are responsible for the acidity of the stomach, a reduction of the same has a positive effect on the symptoms of heartburn.

Antacids are sold in pharmacies as Aludrox® and Maaloxan®. The second group of drugs for heartburn are preparations known as proton pump inhibitors. Proton pumps are located in the cells of the stomach mucosa and transport protons into the stomach and other electrolytes or ions (e.g. potassium) out of it.

The corresponding active substance is called omeprazole. Omeprazole prevents the release of protons from the cells of the stomach wall by hindering the pumping mechanism responsible for this. To ensure that the drug does not already have an effect in the stomach, but really only develops its effect in the target cells, acid-resistant capsule forms are used when administering the drug.

Side effects that occur when taking omeprazole are rare, as the drug is well tolerated, but dizziness, headaches and in very rare cases visual disturbances do occur. It is best to take the drug before a meal. Omeprazole is sold in tablet form, for example as Antra®.

The third group of drugs for heartburn are the H2 antihistamines. These drugs also counteract the release of protons by blocking the docking sites for histamine. Histamine, a messenger substance of the stomach, would normally trigger an increased acidification of the stomach contents and thus further aggravate heartburn.

Active ingredients such as Ranitidine, which is sold as Sostril®, are used here. In addition to the groups of antacids, proton pump inhibitors and antihistamines, there are also drugs with plant-based active ingredients that are more suitable for pregnant women. Alginate, for example, is obtained from algae.

The active ingredient is difficult to digest and forms a film between the stomach and the esophagus, preventing the backflow of acidic gastric juice. Gaviscon® with alginate is commercially available as chewable tablets or suspensions for ingestion. A very well-known antacid against heartburn, which can also be used during pregnancy, provided that there are no other illnesses that limit its use, is Rennie®.

This drug works by its active ingredients calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate binding excess protons. The gastric juice does not become excessively acidic, symptoms such as pain and frequent belching are alleviated. Side effects that may occur while taking Rennie® include allergies or other hypersensitivity reactions as well as nausea and diarrhea. Rennie® is usually sold in the form of chewable tablets.