Indigestion / heartburn

[Jeannne92]

What is the best over the counter cure for heartburn, please ?

As in, acts quickly and effectively, doesn't taste gross, and has few / minor side effects.

For just one off incidents I find liquid Gaviscon really effective. If it’s ongoing for a couple of days I get a course of over the counter antacid/reflux meds : take it for a week usually. If it doesn’t go away I go really bland and boring with my diet and avoid anything processed for a week or so. Usually knocks it on the head.
You’d do best to consider what the cause might be, though, think if this is a recurring issue and so on: have a phone call consult with your GP if possible in case they want to rule out any issues like ulcers.
This is based on my lifelong history of acid reflux caused by a malfunctioning “trapdoor” between stomach and oesophagus.
Figuring out the cause is the next step after a dose of antacids!
Hope you feel better soon; it’s a horrid pain.
PS. Remember 111 can give advice and they’re likely to want to make sure you’re not having a heart attack as heartburn can present as a symptom…don’t want to alarm you 🙂

going gluten free. Solved it overnight

Peppermint tea bags (probably don't have them in the chemist though!)

Warm water and sip slowly. Walking, Gaviscon, a bath. Heavily pregnant and suffering with indigestion and heartburn too. I hope your better soon.

Thank you so much, everyone. I will try all of these.
Do painkillers like paracetamol, etc. work?

Painkillers wont help, they might even make it worse if your stomach is empty etc.

Nexium (over the counter) is very good alongside the 'instant' cures like Gaviscon.

Buy some Esomeprazole from supermarkets or chemists, take on an empty stomach in the morning, and then take Gaviscon Advance liquid after meals and at bedtime.