Diet and lifestyle changes

• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid smoking.
• Avoid stress.
• Avoid high fat diet.
• Avoid NSAID’s, steroids, antibiotics.

Medications

If the digestion is more severe or it is due to infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria the following medications are given.

Antacids

Antacids are the medications which provide immediate relief for mild to moderate symptoms of indigestion. They neutralizes the acid in the stomach and prevents the irritation of the lining of mucosa of the digestive tract. Antacids are available in tabet and liquid forms. It is preferred to take antibiotics. Antacids may contain magnesium salts and aluminium salts like Mucodel, Gelusil.

Side effects of antacids

• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Proton pump inhibitors

If the digestion is severe or recurring, and not responding to the antacids proton pump inhibitors are recommended. It inhibits the acid production in the stomach. It is available as tablets or capsules. The common proton pump inhibitors are omeprazole, rabeprazole, lanzoprazole.

Side effects:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Headaches.
• Dizziness.
• Skin rashes.
• Nausea

H2-receptor antagonists

The common H2-receptor antagonists are cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, and nizatidine. They decrease the amount of acid in the stomach making the stomach less acidic. These medications are stopped 14 days before taking endoscopy.

Side-effects:

• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Skin rashes
• Tiredness

Prokinetics

The common prokinetics used are domperidone or metoclopramide. They help to make the food pass through the stomach and the first part of small intestine quickly. It is available in both liquid and tablets form. Domperidone should be taken 15-30minutes before food.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

If the indigestion occurs due to infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria. It is treated by antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors. The medications are to be taken for one week.

If after the treatment with these medications do not subside the symptoms endoscopy is advised.