Drug Type |
Some Side Effects |
Comments |
Antacids |
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Aluminum hydroxide: Nausea, headache, weakness, loss of appetite, and constipation Magnesium hydroxide: Diarrhea |
These drugs are used mainly to relieve symptoms, not as a cure. |
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Histamine-2 (H2) blockers |
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Rash, fever, diarrhea, muscle pains, and confusion Cimetidine: May cause breast enlargement and erectile dysfunction in men and may interfere with elimination of certain drugs |
The once-daily dose is taken in the evening or at bedtime. Doses taken in the morning are less effective. |
|
Proton pump inhibitors |
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Diarrhea, constipation, and headache |
These drugs are usually well tolerated and are most effective means of reducing stomach acid. |
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Other drugs for stomach acid |
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Misoprostol: Abdominal cramping, spontaneous abortion, diarrhea Sucralfate: May reduce absorption of other drugs, constipation |
Misoprostol is rarely used for treatment of stomach disorders due to the side effects. Sucralfate does not affect acid production but coats stomach ulcers to protect them from acid. |