Non-prescription indigestion tablets are easy to buy over the counter but is it safe to take them regularly? Our nutrition expert, David Swain, advises.

Raisingkids member's problem
Is it normal for an 18-year old boy to go through a whole packet of over-the-counter antacid tablets every week? I thought it was a fad but now I'm wondering if there's something wrong. Is it dangerous to eat too many?

David's advice
Clearly it is not normal for someone to go through so many non-prescribed antacid tablets every week and I understand your concern.

I think the important issue here is to understand why this young man is taking so many tablets. He maybe suffering with indigestion or gastric pain, in which case he should contact his GP. Or perhaps he is eating them like sweets as a habit.

Unfortunately, you do not state which tablets he is taking but (as with all medications) a recommended maximum dose should be stated on the packet and adhered to. If there is any confusion as to what is a safe dose, then he should seek professional advice of a pharmacist or a doctor.

There are a number of causes of heartburn and acid indigestion and, although the tablets may mask the pain, they do not treat the cause of the problem. My advice would be to explain your concerns to your son and try to find out why he's going through so many tablets. If it is because he is suffering with chronic (persisting for a long time) heartburn and/or indigestion then he should see his GP as soon as possible. If he is taking them as sweets, point out the dangers of this and explain that self prescribed medications can have harmful side effects if taken in excess or for too long.

Finally, a number of dietary and other factors can help contribute to heartburn and indigestion. These include:

• overeating
• eating too much fatty food
• being overweight
• lack of exercise
• smoking
• excessive amounts of alcohol

It may be that by changing his habits he stops getting indigestion or heartburn altogether.

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