WITHDRAWAL OF RANITIDINEIn April 2020, the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
requested that all forms of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine (Zantac) be removed from the U.S. market. This recommendation was made because unacceptable levels of NDMA, a probable carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical), were found in some ranitidine products. If you’re prescribed ranitidine, talk with your doctor about safe alternative options before stopping the drug. If you’re taking OTC ranitidine, stop taking the drug and talk with your healthcare provider about alternative options. Instead of taking unused ranitidine products to a drug take-back site, dispose of them according to the product’s instructions or by following the FDA’s
.
Ranitidine, brand name Zantac, is now marketed as Zantac 360, which contains a different active ingredient (famotidine). Famotidine is in the same class as ranitidine and works the same way but has not been found to contain unacceptable levels of NDMA.
You may have indigestion after eating some foods, such as greasy or spicy foods, taking certain medications, or due to an underlying health condition. Treatment can depend on the cause.
Indigestion is the name given to a collection of digestive symptoms, including a feeling of fullness or discomfort in your upper abdomen, heartburn, and nausea. The medical term for indigestion is dyspepsia.
People often experience indigestion after eating large meals. However, several other factors can lead you to develop symptoms of indigestion.
There are many possible
of indigestion. These can range from dietary and lifestyle habits to the side effects of medications and serious underlying conditions.
Lifestyle
You experience indigestion when your body cannot digest food as normal. This may be the result of eating a lot or eating too fast.
Spicy, greasy, and fatty foods also
of indigestion. Lying down too soon after eating can make it harder to digest food. This increases your risk of abdominal discomfort.
Other common causes of poor digestion include:
drinking too much
Medication
Indigestion can be a
of taking specific medications.
, medications that treat or prevent bacterial infections, can also irritate the digestive system and
indigestion as a side effect.
Medical conditions
Several medical conditions can also
indigestion. These include:
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
pancreatic or bile duct abnormalities
,
, and other intolerances
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Sometimes you may experience indigestion with no apparent cause. The medical term for this is functional dyspepsia.
Indigestion can cause:
or
Other common symptoms include:
quickly feeling full during a meal
burning sensation in the stomach or esophagus
experiencing excessive gas or belching
Indigestion may accompany severe symptoms such as:
vomit that is
or looks like
unexplained weight loss
trouble swallowing
If you experience any of these severe symptoms, seek medical assistance immediately.
Indigestion does not typically lead to severe complications. However, severe or persistent symptoms may make it more difficult for you to eat the necessary amount of food. This may have an effect on the overall
of your diet.
You may also experience indigestion alongside other symptoms, which themselves can lead to complications. For example, GERD can
the following complications:
Your doctor will likely start by asking questions about your medical history and eating habits. You may also undergo a physical examination. Your doctor might order
of your abdomen to see if there are any abnormalities in your digestive tract.
They may also collect blood, breath, and stool samples to check for a type of bacteria that causes peptic ulcers. Your doctor can also order an endoscopic exam to check your upper digestive tract for abnormalities.
During an
, your doctor passes a small tube with a camera and biopsy tool through your esophagus into your stomach. They can then check the lining of the digestive tract for diseases and collect tissue samples.
An upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy can diagnose the following:
reflux
ulcers
inflammatory diseases
Indigestion often goes away on its own and will pass with time. For example, if you experience indigestion after a large meal, your abdominal discomfort may lessen as your body begins to digest the food you’ve eaten.
However, some medications and lifestyle changes can help you treat and prevent indigestion symptoms.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat common indigestion symptoms, but they can cause side effects.
nausea
vomiting
or itching
headache
bleeding or
nausea and vomiting
constipation
diarrhea
cough
headache
backache
dizziness
abdominal pain
, like prescription medications Reglan and Motilium, improve the muscle action of the digestive tract. However, taking these medications may cause side effects, including:
involuntary movements or spasms
Home remedies
Medication isn‘t the only treatment for indigestion. You may be able to improve digestion and relieve uncomfortable symptoms with lifestyle changes. For example, it can be helpful to:
avoid foods that can trigger heartburn
eat slower
don’t eat before lying down
try to stop
, if you smoke
try to maintain a moderate weight
reduce the amount of coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol you consume
reduce stress through
or relaxation
Poor digestion is a common problem. However, you shouldn’t ignore indigestion that‘s:
chronic (long term)
severe
unresponsive to OTC medication
If left untreated, the symptoms of indigestion may interfere with your quality of life.
If you’re unable to manage indigestion at home, speak with a doctor. They can help determine the underlying cause of your digestion issues.