Millions of people suffer from occasional symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux on any given day. Heartburn symptoms can present as pain, discomfort and excessive belching. Symptomatic relief can be obtained with over-the-counter antacids that neutralize the acidity of the stomach contents. Rolaids contains calcium and magnesium salts capable of reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.
Heartburn
Occasional heartburn and acid reflux occurs when acidic stomach contents inappropriately pass through the lower esophageal sphincter back into the esophagus. The inner lining of the esophagus can become irritated, resulting in symptomatic feelings of pain and burning between the throat and abdominal region. Although occasional heartburn is common and can be treated with over-the-counter antacids, frequent or prolonged episodes may lead to a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, and may require the use of medications that suppress gastric acid production.
Rolaids
Rolaids is a line of antacid products that are widely available over-the-counter for the treatment of occasional heartburn symptoms. Available in tablets and softchews, as well as a variety of flavors, Rolaids contain chemical bases such as calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide to neutralize the acidity of stomach contents. The use of two different chemical bases allows for extra neutralizing activity without exposing patients to excessive amounts of calcium or magnesium. Too much of either could cause diarrhea or constipation.
Regular and Extra Strength Rolaids
Both regular and extra strength Rolaids contain the active ingredients calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide. Each regular strength Rolaids tablet contains calcium carbonate 550 mg and magnesium hydroxide 110 mg while an extra-strength Rolaids tablet contains calcium carbonate 675 mg and magnesium hydroxide 135 mg. The directions for both products state to chew two to four tablets every hour as needed for heartburn symptoms. The maximum number of tablets as listed on the product label is 12 tablets per day for regular strength Rolaids and 10 tablets per day for extra-strength Rolaids.
Multi-Symptom Rolaids
In addition to calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, multi-symptom Rolaids contains simethicone, a gas-reducing agent for symptoms of bloating and belching. The directions for use are the same as with other Rolaids products with a maximum of 8 tablets per day. Patients should consult a health care provider with questions regarding heartburn and the use of Rolaids tablets.
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