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Antacid medication
⚠️ Important: Metal ions (Ca²⁺, Fe³⁺) form complexes with tetracyclines, reducing absorption and bioavailability. 👉 Always check the BNF or product datasheet for the most up-to-date advice.
📖 About
- Antacids and alginates are widely used for symptom relief in acid reflux and dyspepsia.
- Always check the BNF or equivalent before prescribing or advising patients.
⚙️ Mode of Action
- Antacids neutralise gastric acid to reduce irritation and improve symptoms.
- Alginates form a viscous "raft" that floats on stomach contents, protecting the oesophageal mucosa from reflux.
💊 Indications & Typical Doses
- 🌡️ Acid reflux / GORD: symptomatic relief.
- Examples:
- 🟢 Aluminium hydroxide → 1 capsule PO, QDS
- 🟢 Magnesium carbonate → 10 mL in water PO, TDS
- 🟢 Magnesium trisilicate → 10 mL in water PO, TDS
- 🟢 Alginate raft-forming suspensions → 10–20 mL PO, after meals + bedtime
- 🟢 Gastrocote → 5–10 mL PO, QDS
- 🔑 Always check the BNF for dose ranges and prescribing updates.
🔗 Interactions
- Reduced absorption of certain drugs (e.g., tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, bisphosphonates). ➡️ Separate administration by at least 2–3 hours.
⚠️ Cautions
- High sodium load can worsen hypertension, heart failure, or renal disease.
- Alginates ↑ viscosity of stomach contents, protecting mucosa but may cause bloating.
- “Raft” formation reduces reflux symptoms but does not treat underlying pathology.
🚫 Contraindications
- Severe renal impairment (risk of aluminium/magnesium accumulation).
- Hypophosphataemia (worsened by aluminium hydroxide).
💥 Side Effects
- Aluminium hydroxide → constipation, hypophosphataemia.
- Magnesium salts → diarrhoea, belching (due to CO₂ release).
- General → bloating, altered bowel habits, sodium overload.
📚 References
- BNF – NICE
- NHS England: Dyspepsia & GORD management guidance
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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