Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Foam Barriers
Aluminum hydroxide gel, magnesium trisilicate, and alginate (Gaviscon)
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?
Foam barriers are tablets composed of an antacid and a foaming agent. Foam barriers provide a unique form of treatment for GERD. As the tablet disintegrates and reaches the stomach, it turns into foam that floats on top of the liquid contents of the stomach. The foam forms a physical barrier to the reflux of liquid.At the same time, the antacid bound to the foam neutralizes acid that comes in contact with the foam. The tablets are best taken after meals (when the stomach is distended) and when you are lying down, both times when reflux is more likely to occur.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Foam barriers are not often used as the first or only treatment for GERD. Rather, they are added to other drugs for GERD when the other drugs are not adequately effective in relieving symptoms.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Weakness
- Headache
MAJOR CAUTIONS
Since this medication contains aluminum and magnesium, consult with your doctor first before using it if you have kidney disease. Also, those on a sodium-restricted diet should not take Gaviscon without consulting with their doctor first.
KNOWN DRUG INTERACTIONS
- Cellulose sodium phosphate (Calcibind)
- Isoniazid (Rifamate)
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Mecamylamine (Inversine)
- Methenamine (Mandelamine)
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate resin (Kayexalate)
- Tetracycline antibiotics (Achromycin,Minocin)
FOOD OR SUPPLEMENT INTERACTIONS
The following nutrients should be taken four hours apart from Gaviscon, as they can interfere with absorption of the drug:
- Cherokee rosehip
- Rosehip
- Strontium
NUTRIENT DEPLETION/IMBALANCE
None known.
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Tags: Antacid, barriers, doctor, drugs, gaviscon, interactions, Reflux, stomach, treatment