Stomach Acid Blockers and Ulcer Drugs
Despite doctors' calls for improved lifestyles, the multitude of gastrointestinal drugs on the market is astounding. Stomach acid blockers, such as nizatidine, famotidine, cimetidine and randitine are another popular drug group used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers and conditions caused by excess stomach acid. Long-term safety of these drugs is still unknown, but side effects may include confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, sore throat and fever, irregular heartbeat, abdominal pain, skin rash, depression, diarrhea, hair loss, headache and nausea. Because older people eliminate drugs more slowly from their bodies, they are at an especially high risk of side effects.
Ulcer drugs, such as sucralfate, misoprostol and omeprazole are used to treat and prevent ulcers resistant to the usual treatment with stomach acid blockers or antacids. Adverse side effects include constipation, dizziness, backache, drowsiness, dry mouth, indigestion, stomach cramps, difficulty breathing, fever, cloudy or bloody urine, bleeding or bruising and skin rash. Certain ulcer drugs have also been shown to alter chemical markers of bone metabolism, possibly leading to osteoporosis. Long-term suppression of acid by ulcer drugs can also lead to intestinal infections.
Stomach acid blockers and other ulcer drugs should not be taken for minor digestive complain such as occasional upset stomach, nausea or heartburn, as there is no evidence that they effectively treat these problems. They should also not be used by those with pre-existing conditions and in combination with other drugs, so it is critical to consult with a physician before taking any ulcer drug. It is also important to recognize that even with treatment, ulcers frequently return after a few months. As long-term prevention, people prone to ulcers should avoid smoking, foods that trigger ulcers and drugs known to aggravate ulcers, especially aspirin, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Anti-Nausea Drugs for Cancer patients
Although most instances of stomach pain are caused by diet, feeling of sickness, including nausea and vomiting, are also side effects linked with chemotherapy drugs can affect the lining of the digestive system and others can cause people to lose their appetite for a time. More rarely, chemotherapy drugs can cause constipation. A doctor may prescribe one of a number of anti-sickness drugs (antiemetics) to stop or reduce these side effects. However, these drugs can cause further side effects including signs of tardive dyskinesia, parkinsonism and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Eating small, frequent meals so the stomach is never empty, avoiding foods with strong smells and drinking clear liquids are simple dietary changes that may prevent the need for antinausea drugs (drum).
Effective Solutions to Gastrointestinal Upset
Stomach discomfort is real, but it is preventable in many cases. According to physicians, dietary changes, as opposed to drugs, should be the first solution in the attack against inner aches and pains. As medical studies demonstrate, improved daily eating habits may help prevent the gastrointestinal nightmares haunting the stomachs of millions. Furthermore, choosing a healthy lifestyle hushes the phrase "oh, I shouldn't have" and prevents emergency drugstore trips and the body will celebrate their absence.
