What Can Cause Gastrointestinal Problems?

With the popularization of fast food and GM products, people suffer from ailments like nausea, vomiting, colitis, hemorrhoids, and even cancer. But such harmful consequences may be treated or even prevented with the help of gastrointestinal medicines. Of course, to get the best results it is essential to combine the intake of the drug with living a healthy lifestyle, and learning nutritious skills.

What Are They For?

This group of gastrointestinal agents is used to balance the gastric acids by the neutralization of the heartburns, and indigestion processes. It comes in the solution, gum, or tablet forms. The intake of this over the counter medication is quite safe but there are some groups of patients who should consult the expert first. The ones who have an intolerance to aluminum hydroxide. Those with heart failure who have restrictions on sodium intake. And patients with kidney failure. Also, for parents’ information, such stomach medicine is a doubtful remedy for kids.

What are the examples of antacid drugs?

• Tums
• Chooz
• Alka-Seltzer
• Rolaids
• Gaviscon
• Maalox
• Mylanta
• Pepto-Bismol

Side effects are allergic reactions to some components, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Application

This is a huge group of gastrointestinal drugs that contributes to the reduction of peptic acid production. They work by blocking the enzyme. Thus the acids needed for forming ulcers in the esophagus are neutralized and the possible symptoms of GERD that are chest pain, difficulties in swallowing are also minimized. Moreover, for example, Protonix may inhibit helicobacter pylori if combining with particular antibiotics. And it can positively affect the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison disorder.

Among the popular prescriptive and otc PPIs presented on the market, there are:

• Aciphex
• Zegerid
• Prilosec
• Dexilant
• Nexium
• Prevacid

Adverse Reactions are headache, fever, vomiting, and constipation. Nevertheless, in most cases, the intake of such gastro medicines is well tolerated.

Why Use Histamine 2 Blockers?

This class of gastrointestinal medications used to treat severe conditions when there is acidic disbalance, and esophagitis. But still, these drugs can be bought without prescription. A person may turn to them also when facing peptic ulcers. After the first pill intake, the result will be seen within one hour but will last approximately twelve hours. Depending on the disorder, doctors usually may also prescribe this remedy for off-label use. For example, for treating pancreatic disorders or allergic reactions. But, by no means patients should solely prescribe H2 blockers for any gastric pains.

Most of the adverse effects can be noticed if there is a wrong application of the tablets. Or, in case a person decided to change the dosage on his own. The adverse reactions are:

• Dry skin
• Headache
• Running nose
• Nausea

Some of the representatives of this class are Axid, Zantac, and Pepcid. To not cause harm to the organism, a consultation with a doctor is a must.

What About Promotility Agents?

In addition, some physicians opt for prescribing PA medications if a patient suffers from GERD symptoms. These drugs speed up the digestion process by stimulating gastrointestinal contents via the stomach and esophagus. Thus, the acids do not stay for long in the stomach and a person will not experience heartburn. As for the main inhibitors of this group, nowadays only Metoclopramide can boast the most popularity. It increases muscle contractions in the digestive tract. So, the stomach fastens the movement of its content to the intestines. Moreover, a person can feel relief and does not struggle from heaviness in the stomach. This GI medication also has a few side reactions that are abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting.

Other Treatments

Along with the above-mentioned GI pills, patients may turn to balanced nutrition. Reduce caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, chocolate, and acidic fruits consumption. Smoking should be avoided. But concerning the bad smokers, it is advisable at least to reduce the number of cigarettes per day. Also, do not forget to consult a dedicated expert about possible interactions with other drugs. Because such a combination as digestion medication for example with antibiotics may deteriorate the health.

Disclaimer

All the information presented in this article is solely for informational purposes. To retrieve, copy or fully comply with the intake rules wrote down here is strictly forbidden. Even if a drug is considered to be over-the-counter one, it does not guarantee safety. Readers by acknowledging this disclaimer automatically agree that following the mentioned advice is only their responsibility. In case of experiencing any of the adverse reactions after the application of gastrointestinal medicines, do not linger but fastly turn to specialists.