Digestive Health
Digestive problems can get in the way of your day, but that doesn't mean they have to leave you sidelined. Over-the-counter digestive health medications can alleviate symptoms to help you get back to living life to the fullest. Talk to your doctor about which options are right for you, and then shop the selection of products at CVS. You'll find medicines for indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, gas, heartburn, lactose intolerance, nausea and motion sickness in the online store.
How To Stop Heartburn and Gas
Heartburn occurs due to the acid in your stomach. For occasional heartburn, you can use an antacid that temporarily neutralizes stomach acid and takes effect quickly. Chronic heartburn caused by acid reflux is usually addressed with longer-acting medications like the H2 blockers ranitidine and famotidine or proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole and lansoprazole. You can reduce your risk of developing embarrassing gas with alpha-galactosidase that makes it easier to digest carbohydrates and foods like beans. Simethicone is an over-the-counter medication that helps break up gas in the digestive system to ease gas-related pain.
What To Take for Constipation
If you're having difficulty moving your bowels regularly, there are a number of medications that may be beneficial for you. Fiber supplements can be used on an ongoing basis to add more bulk to your stool, making it easier to pass. Oral laxative medications are generally used for occasional constipation. There are many types available, and your doctor can help you choose the best one. Suppositories are another option for addressing constipation. These soft pellets are inserted into your rectum. They then dissolve, lubricating the rectum to assist with the passage of stool.
Diarrhea and Lactose Intolerance
When diarrhea strikes, over-the-counter medications are available to address the problem. One medicine, loperamide, works by slowing the speed at which food moves through your digestive system. Another, bismuth subsalicylate, promotes a proper balance of fluids in the intestines. For diarrhea caused by lactose intolerance, lactase medications are often used. Lactase is an enzyme that helps the body digest the lactose sugar found in dairy products. To find out if starting one of these medications is right for you, please talk to your health care provider.
Promoting Digestive Health
Probiotics contain living bacteria that is essential to the digestive system. By increasing the number of these bacteria in your gut through probiotic supplements, you can help support the proper functioning of both your digestive and immune systems. Probiotic supplements are offered in a variety of forms for adults and children.