Posts Tagged ‘stomach’

Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Aloe Vera

Saturday, May 8th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Aloe Vera

This plant has soothing and healing effects on the lining of the digestive tract. Herbalists throughout history traditionally have recommended aloe vera for the treatment of stomach acidity.

DOSAGE

Take 600 mg of the capsule form, or 2 tablespoons of the liquid form, or 2 teaspoons of the powder form in water 20 minutes before each meal three times daily. Make sure you are using aloe with the bitter latex portion removed; aloe products containing this substance are used as a laxative. Unless identified as a product for constipation, most internally consumed aloe products have the bitter latex portion removed or substantially removed.

SAFETY (more…)

Related posts

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Antacid, Natural alternatives, Reflux | Comments Off

Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Foam Barriers

Saturday, May 1st, 2010

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 (more…)

Related posts

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Antacid, Reflux | Comments Off

Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Pro-motility Drugs

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Pro-motility Drugs

Metoclopramide (Reglan)

HOW DOES THIS DRUG WORK?

Metoclopramide (Reglan) is one in the class of pro-motility drugs approved for GERD. It works by mildly increasing the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, which strengthens contractions of the esophagus and speeds up emptying of the stomach. All these actions are thought to reduce reflux. It is most effective when taken 30 minutes before meals.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

This drug reduces symptoms of GERD. It is not very effective for treating the symptoms of GERD, however, and is usually prescribed as an addition to other GERD medications or for those who do not respond to common GERD medications.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Restlessness
- Involuntary movements of the eyes/face/limbs
- Muscle spasms
- Trembling of the hands
- Personality changes such as depression or thoughts of suicide
- High fever
- Sweating
- Muscle stiffness
- Confusion
- Unusually fast heartbeat

MAJOR CAUTIONS (more…)

Related posts

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Antacid, Reflux | Comments Off

Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Proton Pump Inhibitors

Saturday, April 24th, 2010

Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Proton Pump Inhibitors

Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Pantoprazole (Protonix)
Rabeprazole (Aciphex)
Esomeprazole (Nexium)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) block the secretion of acid into the stomach by the acid-secreting cells with a different mechanism than H2 blockers. More specifically, PPIs inhibit the proton pump of the parietal cells (the stomach

Related posts

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Antacid, Reflux | Comments Off

What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Monday, April 12th, 2010

Antacid and Reflux Drugs and Their Natural Alternatives: What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD or acid reflux, is a common condition that affects more than 60 million Americans at least once a month. It occurs when the liquid content of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. This backflow occurs when the valve between the lower esophageal sphincter and the stomach fails to close properly, permitting stomach acid and other liquid contents to back up. The stomach acid irritates and can damage the lining of the esophageal tissues and causes pain.

Related posts

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Gastroesophageal disease, Reflux | Comments Off

Allergy Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Allergy Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Montelukast granules (Singulair granules)
Montelukast (Singulair)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

These medications block the action or production of inflammatory compounds known as leukotrienes. These compounds are normally released during infection or an allergic response.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

They reduce allergy symptoms and are safer than steroids for long-term use by those with asthma caused by allergies.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

- Cough
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Indigestion or stomach upset
- Muscle aches or cramps
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Unusual dreams

MAJOR CAUTIONS (more…)

Related posts

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Allergies | Comments Off