Reflux Meds
If your stomach disputes you, lie down and pacify it with cool thoughts - Satchel Paige
image by: HWN
HWN Suggests
Acid Reflux Medications Are Big Drug Muggers Causing Many Side Effects
Heartburn and reflux medicine are very popular. Some of the drugs, like those in the PPI class (short for “proton pump inhibitor”), are so effective at clamping off acid in your stomach that they suppress it for 24 hours straight in some cases.
For many years, only adults took these drugs, but today, well-meaning parents have placed their babies and toddlers on acid blockers, per doctors orders. Why? Because for example, the baby spits up, or cries after eating, and the pediatrician recommends an acid blocker. Did you know that sometimes the problem is related to improper size on the nipple on the baby’s bottle? It can cause…
Featured
How safe are heartburn medications and who should use them?
Often people on these medications will take them for years. But recent reports of dangerous side effects and even early death have led some to question whether this is the right medication for them.
The Dangers of Taking PPIs for Acid Reflux
There might be serious consequences to taking these drugs long-term.
Articles of Interest
Biohack Your Acid Reflux: Treatment Without Dangerous Drugs
One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter from patients about acid reflux is that it results from having too much stomach acid. This is what we’re told by the companies who want to sell us medications that block the production of acid by the stomach. Most people who take an acid blocking drug do get relief, so the logic seems reasonable. However, in most situations, nothing could be further from the truth.
Common Acid Reflux Drugs Associated With Increased Risk for Heart Attacks
The concerns about risks of PPIs have continued to be on the mind of researchers over the past decade. However, it was initially thought that PPIs were only a risk to a small group of patients with coronary artery disease taking the anti-platelet drug clopidogrel to prevent future heart attacks.
Concerns About Acid-Blockers Are Being Raised
The New York Times recently reported on the "Host of Ills" associated with the long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors. More than 50 million Americans experience heartburn frequently (two or more days per week), and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) such as Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium are often prescribed as a first line of treatment.
Emerging Type of Heartburn Defies Drugs, Diagnosis
New research suggests that in many people, heartburn may be caused by something other than acid reflux. But gastroenterologists are often stumped as to what it is and how to treat it.
Heartburn Meds Alter the Gut
Acid blockers reduce the diversity of bacteria in the intestines—and that could lead to trouble.
Pink Lady: What’s your worth?
The “pink lady” or “GI cocktail”, a combination of an antacid and viscous lidocaine, is both much loved and much hated in emergency medicine. Some practitioners use it as a matter of routine.
Popular Acid Reflux Drugs Are Linked To Kidney Disease Risk
When PPIs were first approved in the 1980s, the drugs appeared to be very safe. Since then, concerns have been rising about their safety. Evidence has emerged that the drugs may increase the risk for a variety of problems, including bone fractures, infections and possibly even heart problems.
Should you continue to take acid reflux medication?
The fact that PPIs are associated with occurrences of side effects is not the same as being the cause of those side effects. More study needs to be done to determine exactly what mechanisms, if any, exist between taking PPIs and these possible side effects, like kidney disease and dementia. However, one recent study has suggested a mechanism that may lead to cardiac side effects. Research published in the May 10 issue of the journal Circulation Research found that blood vessels exposed to PPIs for months or years age faster, which may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Taking Indigestion Drugs Regularly Could Increase Risk Of Dementia By 44%, Study Suggests
They found that people who used PPIs at least once every three months had a 44% increased risk of developing dementia, compared to those who didn’t take the drugs.
What happens if you eat too many Tums?
If three work, the entire box will probably work even better, right?
When Your Stomach Reminds You to Take Your Pills
People may soon be able to swallow tiny sensors, embedded inside placebos, that track and share data on when they take their medication.
Resources
Drugs.com
Medications for Gastrointestinal Disorders.
Patient
The medicines in this section include those which act on the gut (bowel). Problems in this section are quite common such as indigestion, diarrhoea, indigestion and constipation. They include antacids, various types of laxatives, preparations to treat piles (haemorrhoids) and anti-sickness medicines.
