Antacid Sales top $ 10 billion annually Shoppillrx

Antacid sales top $ 10 billion annually Shoppillrx

Pharmacists can expect many questions from patients
Acid indigestion plagues a third of U.S. populationOften can not lead to peptic ulcer diseaseHeartburn may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux diseaseAntacids neutralize stomach acid, relieving indigestion and heartburnEven when the economy is in better shape, acid indigestion and heartburn plagues about a third of the U.S. population. About 100 million Americans experience heartburn every month; about 15 million fighting it at least once a day.
Acid indigestion involves an excess of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The symptoms may include the discomfort or a burning sensation on top of the stomach, dizziness, abdominal bloating, or belching. Often can not lead to irritation of the duodenum or an irritation of the lining of the stomach, both of which play can be a role in the development of peptic ulcer disease, which can be life-threatening.
Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in the throat, just below the breastbone, caused by stomach (gastric) acid flowing back to the throat. The disease often recess in chest and may radiate to the neck or throat. Heartburn may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - damage to the esophagus that develops from chronic exposure to the throat of acid coming up from the stomach.
Antacids such as Anti-Acidity pills Nexium Generic, Prilosec Generic, Protonix Generic, Zantac (Ranitidine), Prevacid Generic, relieve indigestion and heartburn by neutralizing, or balancing, the stomach acid. Most OTC antacids containing one or more of the following active ingredients: aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and sodium bicarbonate.With more than $ 10 billion spent worldwide each year on antacids, pharmacists can expect to field any number of patients with questions and concerns.

Here are some cautions to remember: Many brands contains more than an active participant, so it is important for patients to read labels when they are shopping their doctors' recommendations. (Classes have shown that most people with heartburn and indigestion not seek medical attention.) patients who recently suffered extensive upper GI hemorrhage should not take antacids containing aluminum hydroxide without consulting their doctor. patients with impaired kidney function should not take antacids containing magnesium hydroxide their doctors' knowledge. Extended heavy use of antacids containing calcium (20 grams or more daily for a prolonged period) may cause excessive calcium in the blood, which can lead to kidney stones and reduced the stone function. People who already have impaired piece may develop milk-alkali syndrome (symptoms include dizziness, vomiting, mental confusion, and weight loss) when taking as little as 4 grams a day of antacids. overuse of antacids that contain aluminum can weaken bones, especially in people with impaired kidney function, leading to osteomalacia (softening of bones, which causes tenderness, muscular weakness, and weight loss).
The most common side effects of antacids Zantac (Ranitidine) is a chalky taste left in the mouth. Antacids containing magnesium can cause diarrhea. Those containing aluminum may cause constipation. Taking antacids that contain both aluminum and magnesium (eg, Maalox or Mylanta) May balance the effects. Prolonged use of antacids can result in dizziness, headache, muscle weakness, or weight loss. Antacids Zantac (Ranitidine) may affect the way a number of prescription drugs or a job are used by the body. Finally, with many drugs, antacids should be taken one to two hours before or after other medications.