How do antacids work?
Antacids work by neutralizing acid and coating the stomach. Antacids should be taken 1 hour after meals or when gastro esophageal reflux disease symptoms occur. Liquid antacids usually work faster than tablets or chewable. If symptoms occur soon after meals, they should be taken before the meal. Antacids are useful because they relieve symptoms rapidly. But relief is only temporary. Over-the-counter antacids do not prevent symptoms from returning or rarely allow an injured esophagus to heal.
