Gastrointestinal Disorders Treatment
To manage gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) acid-suppressive treatment is generally used. Such agents as antacids, histamine2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used in treating of GERD. Treatment with prokinetic agents is not used as often because these medications are not tolerated very well in some cases.
Antacids
Antacid agents help to neutralize stomach acid rapidly but the drawback is that their action lasts not long. Besides, these agents can cause drug interactions. These medicines work well in treating heartburn, but show less effectiveness in treating reflux esophagitis. Side effects of antacid agents generally refer to the digestive tract causing diarrhea or constipation. People who suffer from renal insufficiency should use these medications with caution because of the risk of accumulation of magnesium and aluminum contained in antacids which can cause toxicity.
Histamine2 receptor antagonists
In comparison with antacid medications, histamine2 receptor antagonists such as nonprescription medications as cimetidine, famotidine, ranitidine, and nizatidine act for a longer period but they begin their action more slowly. Histamine2 receptor antagonists are effectively used to prevent and treat heartburn that occurs after taking foods but don’t have the noticeable results when treating esophagitis.
Not long ago the FDA approved Omeprazole (Prilosec) as nonprescription drug. This medication is the first over-the-counter drug available for the treatment of heartburn. Prilosec is recommended to be used for a 14-day course of treatment. Note that this medication is not approved for treating of heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Nevertheless, Omeprazole can be prescribed for managing such conditions as esophagitis and smoothing the symptoms of GERD. Because of the serious nature of GERD complications, people who suffer from frequent heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease should consult with the medical provider regarding the right treatment but not try to manage their disease on their own with over-the-counter treatments.
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Gastrointestinal
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