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8 Medications for Acid Reflux - 1
1. Magnesium
2. Calcium
3. Aluminum
4. H2 Blockers
5. FDA Warning for Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
6. Proton-Pump Inhibitors
7. Agents that Protect the Mucus Lining (Sucralfate)
8. Anti-Spasm Drugs Prevent Acid and Non-Acid Reflux
Many antacids are available without
prescription and are the first drugs
recommended to relieve heartburn and mild
symptoms. Despite the many brands, they all
rely on various combinations of three basic
ingredients: magnesium, calcium, or
aluminum.
Antacids neutralize digestive acids and are
the primary drugs for mild symptoms. They
are best used alone for relief of occasional
and unpredictable episodes of heartburn.
They all work by neutralizing the acid in
the stomach. They may also stimulate the
defensive systems in the stomach by
increasing bicarbonate and mucous secretion.
Magnesium salts are
available in the form of magnesium
carbonate, magnesium trisilicate, and most
commonly, magnesium hydroxide (Milk of
Magnesia). The major side effect of
magnesium salts is diarrhea. Magnesium salts
offered in combination products with
aluminum (Mylanta and Maalox) balance the
side effects of diarrhea and constipation.
Calcium carbonate (Tums,
Titralac, and Alka-2) is a potent and rapid
acting antacid that can cause constipation.
These antacids are actually sources of
calcium. There have been rare cases of
hypercalcemia (elevated levels of calcium in
the blood) in people taking calcium
carbonate for long periods of time. This can
lead to kidney failure and is very
dangerous. None of the other antacids has
this side effect.
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Aluminum salts (Amphogel, Alternagel)
are also available. The most common side
effect of antacids containing aluminum salts is constipation. People who
take large amounts of antacids that contain
aluminum may also be at risk for calcium
loss, which can lead to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by
progressive loss of bone density, thinning
of bone tissue and increased vulnerability
to fractures. Osteoporosis may result from
disease, dietary or hormonal deficiency or
advanced age. Regular exercise and vitamin
and mineral supplements can reduce and even
reverse loss of bone density.
It is generally believed that liquid
antacids work faster and are more potent
than tablets, although evidence suggests
that they all work equally well. Antacids
can interact with a number of drugs in the
intestines by reducing their absorption.
These drugs include tetracycline,
ciprofloxacin (Cipro), propranolol (Inderal),
captopril (Capoten), and H2 blockers.
Interactions can be avoided by taking the
drugs one hour before or three hours after
taking the antacid. Long-term use of nearly
any antacid increases the risk for kidney
stones.
 Next page for Medications for Acid Reflux :
4. H2 Blockers ;
5. FDA Warning for Famotidine (Pepcid AC) ;
6. Proton-Pump Inhibitors
7. Agents that Protect the Mucus Lining (Sucralfate) ; 8. Anti-Spasm Drugs Prevent Acid and Non-Acid Reflux
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