Antacids examples
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Examples of Antacids: Clinical Use and Pharmacological Properties
Common Antacid Compounds: Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium, and Aluminum Salts
Antacids are widely used over-the-counter medications primarily composed of calcium carbonate, magnesium, and aluminum salts. These compounds work by neutralizing stomach acid and inhibiting the enzyme pepsin, which plays a role in the digestion of proteins1 2. The specific pharmacological characteristics of each cation salt determine their suitability for various medical conditions.
Therapeutic Uses of Antacids: From Ulcers to Dyspepsia
Antacids have been employed in the treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal conditions, including duodenal and gastric ulcers, stress gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pancreatic insufficiency, non-ulcer dyspepsia, bile acid-mediated diarrhea, biliary reflux, and constipation1 2 6. Despite the advent of more advanced treatments like histamine H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids remain useful for conditions such as stress gastritis and non-ulcer dyspepsia1 2.
Potent vs. Non-Potent Antacids: Sodium Bicarbonate, Calcium Carbonate, and Magnesium Oxide
Antacids can be classified based on their acid-neutralizing capacity. Potent antacids, such as sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, and magnesium oxide, have high neutralizing capacities and are effective in treating conditions like peptic ulcers and GERD4. Non-potent antacids, including aluminum hydroxide gels, have lower neutralizing capacities but are still used for specific indications4.
Drug Interactions and Adverse Effects: A Clinical Consideration
Antacids can interact with other medications by altering gastric pH, which affects drug dissolution and absorption. For instance, aluminum hydroxide can delay the absorption of isoniazid, while magnesium hydroxide can enhance the absorption of certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and sulfonylurea antidiabetic agents5 7 8. These interactions necessitate careful scheduling of medication administration to avoid reduced efficacy or increased toxicity1 2 5.
Long-Term Use and Safety: Monitoring and Compliance
While antacids are generally safe for short-term use, long-term consumption, especially in large doses, can lead to significant adverse effects, particularly in patients with chronic renal failure. Monitoring electrolyte status and avoiding aluminum-containing antacids can mitigate these risks1 2. Despite the decline in their widespread use due to newer medications, antacids continue to be a valuable option for managing minor episodes of heartburn and non-ulcer dyspepsia1 2 3.
Conclusion
Antacids, including compounds like calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and aluminum hydroxide, remain a cornerstone in the management of various acid-related gastrointestinal conditions. While their use has been overshadowed by more advanced therapies, they still offer effective relief for specific indications. Clinicians must be aware of potential drug interactions and adverse effects to ensure safe and effective use of these medications.
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Antacids revisited: a review of their clinical pharmacology and recommended therapeutic use.
Antacids are still useful for stress gastritis and non-ulcer dyspepsia, but their wide-spread use may decline due to newer, more effective agents, and clinicians should be aware of potential drug interactions and adverse effects.
Literature Review
Highly CitedAntacids Revisited
Antacids are still useful for stress gastritis and non-ulcer dyspepsia, but their widespread use may decline due to newer, more effective agents.
Antacid Therapy and Drug Kinetics
Antacids can alter drug absorption or excretion, reducing efficacy and causing toxicity, so it's best to take other drugs at least half an hour before antacid ingestion to ensure consistent absorption and effect.
Highly CitedAn expert opinion on antacids: A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy
Antacids effectively treat acidity and related conditions by neutralizing gastric acid, restoring pH balance, and increasing prostaglandin and bicarbonate secretion.
Literature Review
Rigorous JournalWhy do apparently healthy people use antacid tablets?
Heavy antacid tablet use in adult males is due to reflux esophagitis, and history is an adequate evaluation for most heavy users.
RCTHighly Cited