Common Antacids Available in Taiwan: Names and Ingredients Explained - Pharmacology

Dr. Zheng Yizhan reply Pharmacology

---

Dear netizens: Below is the response from pharmacist Zheng Yizhan regarding commonly used antacids such as magnesium oxide and aluminum hydroxide.
Magnesium salts can cause diarrhea, while aluminum salts can lead to constipation; if used in a (1:1) ratio, magnesium salts have a greater effect than aluminum salts.
Additionally, simethicone is often added to reduce gastrointestinal gas.
To decrease gastric acid secretion, H2 antagonists (cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine) and proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole) are used; mucosal protectants (sucralfate) are a basic aluminum salt of sulfated sucrose.
In Taiwan, there are numerous gastric medications, such as magnesium oxide and aluminum hydroxide.
Here are my recommendations: 1.
If you experience gastrointestinal discomfort, please consult a physician at a nearby clinic.
2.
Do not self-medicate, as gastric medications may reduce gastric acid secretion, preventing your stomach acid from eliminating certain microorganisms.
Additionally, I have included an introduction to gastrointestinal medications by pharmacist Zheng Yizhan.
1.
Structure of the Digestive Tract: The digestive tract consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine (duodenum, ileum, jejunum), large intestine (ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and rectum), and anus.
The mouth also contains teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
2.
Function of the Gastrointestinal Tract: After food, water, and salts are ingested orally, they are processed by the teeth (incisors cut the food while molars grind it) and thoroughly mixed with saliva in the mouth before being swallowed and passing through the esophagus to the stomach.
The stomach mixes the food with gastric juice, forming a chyme that is then pushed into the duodenum.
The small intestine employs various contractions and movements to mix the chyme with intestinal and digestive juices, breaking down food for nutrient, water, and trace element absorption.
In the large intestine, the primary functions are water and salt absorption, storage of food residues, and compression into feces, which are expelled through the anus.
The gastrointestinal tract contains a significant amount of mucous fluid and various digestive enzymes (including saliva, gastric juice, pancreatic juice, bile, and intestinal fluid) that facilitate the movement and digestion of food into nutrients for the body's needs.
Common food components include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fiber, and vitamins.
3.
Common Gastrointestinal Diseases: These include gastrointestinal inflammation, ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, and various forms of gastrointestinal cancers (both primary and metastatic).
When the protective mechanisms of the gastrointestinal wall weaken, blood vessels can be damaged by gastric acid, leading to bleeding.
If nerves are affected, pain may occur.
Black, tarry stools indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding (from the stomach or duodenum), while bright red or dark red blood suggests lower gastrointestinal bleeding, such as from hemorrhoids or rectal bleeding.
Abdominal pain can have multiple causes, requiring thorough evaluation to establish a diagnosis, including appendicitis, peritonitis, general gastrointestinal inflammation, and inflammation from other organs (such as kidney, bladder, or ureter stones; pancreatitis; and gynecological lower abdominal inflammation).
Cancer can also cause pain, necessitating careful examination by a physician.
Symptoms of ulcers commonly include nausea, vomiting, bloating, pain, and hematochezia.
Early intervention with appropriate dietary adjustments can alleviate symptoms, while severe cases may require fasting, observation, and endoscopy.
Diarrhea primarily results from the large intestine's inability to concentrate water, causing substances to pass through the intestine too quickly, which can be due to bacterial or non-bacterial causes.
Adequate hydration and electrolyte replenishment are crucial, and with appropriate treatment, recovery is typically achievable.
Constipation is mainly due to insufficient water, lack of exercise, inadequate dietary fiber, and slow movement of stool in the large intestine, leading to hard stools due to fluid absorption.
4.
Overview of Pharmacological Treatment for Gastrointestinal Diseases: For ulcers, treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers can involve antacids, medications to reduce gastric acid secretion, mucosal protectants, and antibiotics.
Common antacids include magnesium oxide and aluminum hydroxide, with magnesium salts causing diarrhea and aluminum salts causing constipation; in a (1:1) ratio, magnesium salts are more effective than aluminum salts.
Simethicone is often added to reduce gastrointestinal gas.
To decrease gastric acid secretion, H2 antagonists (cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine) and proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole) are utilized; mucosal protectants (sucralfate) are a basic aluminum salt of sulfated sucrose.
Ulcers are often associated with the presence of Helicobacter pylori, which causes inflammation and impedes healing, thus requiring antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, metronidazole, amoxicillin) in conjunction with proton pump inhibitors for high cure rates.
For constipation, the following laxatives can be used: bulk-forming laxatives like methylcellulose and polycarbophil increase the bulk of intestinal contents, stimulating peristalsis.
Stimulant laxatives irritate the colonic mucosa to enhance motility, including sennosides (from senna leaves), bisacodyl, and castor oil.
Lubricants like glycerin and saline laxatives such as magnesium salts and sodium phosphate are also available.
For diarrhea, the following antidiarrheal agents are used: antibiotics for dysentery or other bacterial causes, adsorbents like activated charcoal and kaolin, and opioids like loperamide (Imodium) to reduce intestinal motility.
Remember that adequate hydration and electrolyte replenishment are essential.
5.
Guidelines for Gastrointestinal Health: Wash hands frequently, ensure food cleanliness, maintain a balanced diet with a variety of vegetables and fruits, and brush your teeth after meals.
Use the toilet daily and pay attention to the color of your stool; if you notice black (tarry) stools or experience abdominal pain, consult a physician for early examination and maintain good health.

---

Reply Date: 2003/05/21