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. |
|
Histamine-2 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. |
|
Antibiotics |
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Altered taste and nausea Amoxicillin, clarithromycin, or tetracycline: Diarrhea |
These drugs are effective for treating peptic ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. |
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Miscellaneous |
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Diarrhea Bismuth subsalicylate: Darkening of the tongue and stool, constipation Misoprostol: Abdominal cramping, spontaneous abortion Sucralfate: May reduce absorption of other drugs, constipation |
Bismuth subsalicylate is used in combination with antibiotics to cure H. pylori infection. |