Facts on File Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

“rebound” dyspepsia or gastric reflux (most com-
mon with calcium carbonate products) to OSTEO-
POROSIS(with magnesium products, as magnesium
binds with calcium) and aluminum TOXICITY. Indi-
cations of antacid overuse include

• dyspepsia symptoms that seem to surge when
  the antacid DOSEnears the end of its effective-
  ness


• the need to take higher or more frequent doses
  of the antacid to obtain relief


• mental CONFUSION (indicating possible alu-
  minum toxicity)


• chronic diarrhea (typically with aluminum/
  magnesium combination products)

Antacids also interfere with the actions of
numerous medications. Other products, such as H 2
ANTAGONIST(BLOCKER) MEDICATIONSand PROTON PUMP
INHIBITOR MEDICATIONS, are more effective for man-
aging long-term gastric discomfort such as GAS-

TROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISORDER (GERD). Antacids

also interfere with H2 antagonist blockers. Chil-

dren age 12 and under should not take antacids

unless a doctor recommends them. A pharmacist

can suggest an appropriate antacid for the circum-

stances and to avoid interfering with any medica-

tions a person is taking.

See also ANTIDIARRHEAL MEDICATIONS; ANTIEMETIC

MEDICATIONS; PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE.

antidiarrheal medications Medications that

relieve DIARRHEA. Antidiarrheal medications work

by slowing the activity of the gastrointestinal tract

or by absorbing more fluid in the COLON(large

intestine). Though diarrhea is unpleasant, doctors

recommend letting the body restore its balance

without medications in most circumstances of

acute diarrhea. Acute diarrhea (diarrhea that

comes on suddenly) may result from simple gas-

trointestinal upset following unusual foods and

beverages, (such as when traveling), excessive

12 The Gastrointestinal System

COMMON ANTIDIARRHEAL MEDICATIONS

Active Ingredient Representative Products Availability
attapulgite Kaopectate, Parepectolin over the counter

belladonna Donnatal requires a doctor’s prescription

bismuth subsalicylate Pepto-Bismol over the counter

codeine codeine requires a doctor’s prescription

difenoxin and atropine Motofen requires a doctor’s prescription

diphenoxylate Lomotil requires a doctor’s prescription

kaolin and pectin Kapectolin over the counter

loperamide Imodium over the counter

methylcellulose Citrucel over the counter

octreotide Sandostatin requires a doctor’s prescription

paregoric camphorated tincture of opium requires a doctor’s prescription

psyllium Metamucil over the counter