Antacids are sold over the counter and are available in chewable, liquid, and tablet form.
Antacids are sold over the counter and are available in chewable, liquid, and tablet form.
Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide
Trade names: Maalox, Mylanta
Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide antacids are used for treating symptoms of GERD, indigestion, heartburn, and stomach or duodenal ulcers.
How to use
Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide antacids come as chewable tablet and liquid forms to be taken by mouth. The tablets must be chewed thoroughly and should not be swallowed whole. Drink a full glass of water after taking the tablets. Shake the oral liquid well before each use to mix the medicine evenly. The liquid may be mixed with water or milk.
Follow the directions on the package label or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Maalox exactly as directed. Antacids should not be taken for more 2 weeks unless prescribed by the doctor.
Precautions
Possible drug interactions
Antacids are known to affect the action of certain medications. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining antacids with the following:
Side effects
Maalox is generally well tolerated, but like any drug, it may produce adverse reactions. Antacids usually cause less serious side effects, especially if they are used infrequently. These side effects are typically relieved by lowering the dose or frequency. Serious side effects, however, should be reported immediately to the physician.
Occasionally, antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide can produce one of the following side effects:
You should contact your doctor if these symptoms occur frequently or if they get worse. The more serious side effects that may occur with Maalox use include:
Calcium carbonate
Trade names: Cal-Gest, Calcarb, Calci Mix, Calci-Chew, Tums
Calcium carbonate is a compound that helps build strong bones and teeth. It is also the active ingredient of many commercially available antacids. Calcium carbonate is used for temporary relief of occasional indigestion and heartburn. It relieves the symptoms caused by hyperacidity by rapidly neutralizing the acid in the stomach
How to use
Calcium carbonate is available as tablets, lozenges, and liquid forms. These products must be taken exactly as directed. Calcium carbonate antacid can be taken with food or immediately after a meal. If you have symptoms at night, take the antacid before going to bed.
If you will take chewable tablets, you should chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing so that it can produce rapid effects.
Usual Dose:
Dyspepsia: 300 to 8000 mg, taken by mouth in 2 to 4 divided doses.
Erosive esophagitis: 1250 to 3750 mg of calcium carbonate can be taken in 2 to 4 divided doses. GERD:1250 to 3750 mg daily, in 2 to 4 divided doses.
Calcium carbonate should not be taken for more than 2 weeks unless directed by a physician. Long-term and heavy use of any antacid can lead to many medical problems.
Precautions
Before taking any antacid with calcium carbonate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any drug allergies and history of kidney problems, parathyroid gland disorder, or stomach conditions. Pregnant, and breast feeding women are advised to talk to their doctors before taking any over-the-counter products.
Possible drug interactions
Antacids with calcium carbonate may interact with or affect the absorption of certain drugs.Tell your doctor about the other medications you're taking, especially:
Side effects
Seek immediate medical care if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
Below are the less serious side effects that may occur with calcium carbonate use:
Esomeprazole is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease and to heal acid-related damage to the esophagus. It is also used with other drugs to prevent stomach ulcers. Like other proton pump inhibitors, Esomeprazole works by stopping many of the "acid pumps" in the cells of the stomach. As a result, the stomach content becomes less acidic. Esomeprazole can both relieve heartburn pain and heal possible damage on the lining of the esophagus.
Esomeprazole may also be given to prevent gastric ulcer caused by helicobacter pylori infection or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Esomeprazole is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease and to heal acid-related damage to the esophagus. It is also used with other drugs to prevent stomach ulcers. Like other proton pump inhibitors, Esomeprazole works by stopping many of the "acid pumps" in the cells of the stomach. As a result, the stomach content becomes less acidic. Esomeprazole can both relieve heartburn pain and heal possible damage on the lining of the esophagus.
Esomeprazole may also be given to prevent gastric ulcer caused by helicobacter pylori infection or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Contraindications
Esomeprazole is contraindicated in patients with known hyper-sensitivity to any of its components or to substituted benzimidazoles.
Drug interaction
Clinical studies have shown that some drugs may interact with esomeprazole. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Precautions
Tell your doctor about all the prescription and non prescription drugs you use. This includes supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, as well as drugs prescribed by other doctors.
Before taking esomeprazole, it is important to tell your doctor if you've had liver problems or any type of heart disease. Some cases may require dose adjustment or special tests while on esomeprazole therapy.
Side effects
Below are the most common side effects that may occur with esomprazole use. Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist or become bothersome.
Seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur when using esomeprazole:
References:
Anthony, P.,Delmar's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review. 2nd Edition. 2003. Delmar Cengage Learning.
Rosenthal. M. 50 Ways to Relieve Heartburn, Reflux and Ulcers. 2001.
McGraw-Hill
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601471
http://www.purplepill.com/about-nexium/index.aspx
http://www.drugs.com/omeprazole.html
http://www.drugs.com/nexium.html
.
Ranitidine works by blocking the action of histamine in the stomach. This decreases the amount of acid the stomach produces, which helps to relieve symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. Ranitidine is used for treating or preventing heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach caused by certain foods and drinks.
There are no clinical studies linking stress directly to GERD. However, many people with GERD say that psychological issues including stress, tension, and feelings of anxiety make their symptoms worse. Fortunately, stress can be effectively managed to prevent some of its harmful effects on health.
The body’s natural relaxation response is effective against stress. This is the reason why relaxation therapy can be helpful in managing strress. Relaxation therapy is a broad term which describes a number of techniques that help reduce stress, relieve the body from tension, and promote a calm and peaceful state of mind.
There are many forms of relaxation techniques, they generally involve refocusing one's attention to something calming and increasing awareness of the body. Relaxation techniques counteract the unpleasant effects of stress and promotes your sense of well being. These techniques also have protective benefits especially if practiced regularly. If you are aware of what a stress response feels like, you will make an effort to practice a relaxation technique as soon as you start to feel stress symptoms. As a result, you are able to prevent stress from getting out of control. Yoga and Biofeedback Training are some of the relaxation techniques that may help people with GERD.
There are no clinical studies linking stress directly to GERD. However, many people with GERD say that psychological issues including stress, tension, and feelings of anxiety make their symptoms worse. Fortunately, stress can be effectively managed to prevent some of its harmful effects on health.
The body’s natural relaxation response is effective against stress. This is the reason why relaxation therapy can be helpful in managing strress. Relaxation therapy is a broad term which describes a number of techniques that help reduce stress, relieve the body from tension, and promote a calm and peaceful state of mind.
There are many forms of relaxation techniques, they generally involve refocusing one's attention to something calming and increasing awareness of the body. Relaxation techniques counteract the unpleasant effects of stress and promotes your sense of well being. These techniques also have protective benefits especially if practiced regularly. If you are aware of what a stress response feels like, you will make an effort to practice a relaxation technique as soon as you start to feel stress symptoms. As a result, you are able to prevent stress from getting out of control. Yoga and Biofeedback Training are some of the relaxation techniques that may help people with GERD.
Biofeedback is often used as a relaxation technique. Relaxation can diminish symptoms associated with Heartburn/GERD. Biofeedback is a technique which involves training people to improve their health by using the mind to control bodily functions. In biofeedback session, you are connected to electrical sensors that allow you to measure and receive feedback or information about your body. With the help of these sensors, you will be trained how to make changes in your body to get the desired results.
Biofeedback is often used as a relaxation technique. Relaxation can diminish the symptoms of associated with Heartburn/GERD. Biofeedback is a technique which involves training people to improve their health by using the mind to control bodily functions. In biofeedback session, you are connected to electrical sensors that allow you to measure and receive feedback or information about your body. With the help of these sensors, you will be trained how to make changes in your body to get the desired results.
Yoga promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and help you cope with stress. Some yoga poses are thought to improve gastrointestinal symptoms. Always check with your doctor before starting any exercise.
In addition to drug therapy, patients with GERD are encouraged to make lifestyle changes. Many people are able to control their symptoms by making simple changes in the diet and eating habits. Controlling severity and frequency of acid reflux can be done by avoiding foods that may trigger heartburn, proper meal timing and watching your meal sizes.
Many food items are known to trigger heartburn or worsen GERD. Staying away from these foods will reduce the likelihood of suffering from heartburn and the complications of acid reflux. Below are the known 'trigger' foods that you should avoid.
Foods with high fat content. High fat foods stay in the stomach longer, this means that more acid will be produced to digest them. Patients with GERD should avoid:
Foods that stimulate acid production.
High stomach acid content can bring on or worsen acid reflux symptoms. The following food items are known to stimulate acid production:
In addition to drug therapy, patients with GERD are encouraged to make lifestyle changes. Many people are able to control their symptoms by making simple changes in the diet and eating habits. Controlling severity and frequency of acid reflux can be done by avoiding foods that may trigger heartburn, proper meal timing and watching your meal sizes.
In addition to drug therapy, patients with GERD are encouraged to make lifestyle changes. Many people are able to control their symptoms by making simple changes in the diet and eating habits. Controlling severity and frequency of acid reflux can be done by avoiding foods that may trigger heartburn, proper meal timing and watching your meal sizes. Foods to eat
Managing acid reflux with diet requires planning meals and selecting food items. You need to be careful in choosing foods. Make sure your meals will Include foods that do not make your symptoms worse than before. If you are not sure which food can trigger the symptoms of acid reflux, then you should consider taking note of your reactions on different types on food by making a food journal. Write down everything you eat and any discomfort that you experience. This is a good way to identify which foods to avoid.
Below is a list of some of foods that are pretty much safe for heartburn sufferers to eat. Refer to this as a guideline only. Although these foods are considered safe for most people, one should not assume its accuracy. Not all food items produce the same results for everyone.
Meal timing and meal sizes
When you eat and how much you eat can also play significant part in the onset of heartburn. It's important to remember that if reflux is quite likely to happen when the stomach is full of food. Consider making the following changes:
Many herbs are used as natural remedies for digestive disorders including heartburn. Herbs are available in different forms. They may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powder, teas), glycerine extracts or tinctures. It is important to tell your doctor if you plan to use herbs for treating your symptoms.
Many herbs are used as natural remedies for digestive disorders including heartburn. Herbs are available in different forms. They may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powder, teas), glycerine extracts or tinctures. It is important to tell your doctor if you plan to use herbs for treating your symptoms.
Most cases of GERD can be diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors. However some patients may require referral to gastroenterologists, the doctors who specialize in the diseases of the digestive system.
Many cases of GERD can be diagnosed on the basis of medical history and physical exam results. Your doctor will ask you a number of questions pertaining to the symptoms, such as their onset, frequency, and severity. It is also important for the doctor to find out what you do to relieve you from your symptoms and what seems to make them worse.
Physical examination is also an important diagnostic tool. During this procedure your doctor will:
Sometimes further testing may be needed to diagnose GERD and to find out the extent of damage it has caused. Below are the diagnostic tests for GERD:
Upper GI series or barium swallow is one of the common tests to diagnose problems in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The stomach and small intestine must be empty for this procedure to be accurate. Before the scheduled upper GI series, the patient will be advised not to eat or drink anything after midnight. Other specific instructions will be given by the doctor.
For this test, the patient will be asked to drink barium, a thick, white, chalky liquid that will coat the digestive tract. Then X-rays of the upper digestive tract will be taken. The barium coating makes the esophagus, stomach and upper intestine to show up more clearly on X-ray. The upper GI series is useful in detecting problems such as ulcers, scar tissue, abnormal growths or hernia.
The upper GI series test usually takes 1 to 2 hours. It is a painless procedure, but the barium may cause constipation and white colored stool for a few days. The doctor may recommend drinking plenty of water to flush the barium from in about 2 to 3 days. Remedies for constipation may also be suggested.
Endoscopic examinationallows direct visualization of the esophagus and the stomach. In preparation for the procedure, the patient is advised not to eat anything for at least six hours before the scheduled endoscopy. A local anesthetic will be sprayed into the patient's throat to suppress the gag reflex, and a mild intravenous sedative will also be given to help the patient relax. Then a thin, flexible tube is inserted into the esophagus. The tube (endoscope) is equipped with a tiny camera and light, this device will give an accurate picture of what is happening in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The images from the esophagus and stomach will be seen on a video monitor. Still images can also be captured for for further diagnosis and hospital records. During endoscopy, the doctor also may collect tissue sample for further testing.
Ambulatory acid (pH) probe tests is currently the best method available for quantifying the exposure of the esophagus to acid. Ambulatory acid (pH) probe test records when, and for how long, stomach acid regurgitates into your esophagus. This test can also detect whether the reflux triggers respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing and coughing. In addition, the pH probe test can be used for evaluating the effectiveness of medical or surgical treatments.
In preparation for the ambulatory acid probe test, the patient will be instructed not eat or drink anything for six hours before the scheduled procedure. If you're taking GERD medications, your doctor may may also ask you to stop taking them to prepare for the test. Ambulatory acid (pH) probe tests involves placing an acid-measuring device in the esophagus. The doctor will first apply a local anesthetic to the nasal lining to numb the nose. Then a thin, flexible tube is passed through your nose into the esophagus. During the test, the tube stays in place and connects to a small computer that you wear around your waist or with a strap over your shoulder. After the probe is placed, the patient may leave the hospital and encouraged to continue normal activities. Resuming normal tasks will allow the doctor to get a realistic picture of what is happening in the esophagus. Patients will be asked to return in about 24 hours, the pH probe will be removed and the data will be transferred to a computer for analysis.
Esophageal impedance is a relatively new test for GERD. Impedance technology gives accurate information on the occurrence of reflux episode regardless of its chemical composition. Its basic principle is similar to the the 24-hour ambulatory acid testing: recording esophageal events with a probed placed through the nose. Unlike the pH probe, this test can detect episodes of low acid a or non-acid reflux, the height to which the regurgitation extends, and the clearing of the refluxed stomach contents from the esophagus. Impedance technology works by measuring changes in electrical current as substances pass through the esophagus.
Impedance monitoring is particularly helpful in assessing reflux in patients who are on acid suppression therapy. This group of patients may continue to have episodes of reflux even when their symptoms are controlled. In cases of adequate acid suppression, the reflux episodes may not be detected by the 24-hour acid probe test because the ph of the refluxed substance is not acidic enough.
