Digestive disorders are often the result of unhealthy lifestyles and poor diets. These diseases are easily preventable but the number of people who continue to suffer from these disorders continues to increase each day. Simple conditions such as heartburn, obesity or constipation are easily relieved and prevented by having a proper diet and regular exercise.
The use of medications for treating even simple digestive disorders has been growing in popularity. This is because they provide quick relief from digestive discomforts. There are a great number of medications available for treating even the simplest medical conditions. However, it is discouraged that people self- medicate. The best way of knowing the proper drug for your medical condition is still done by consulting your doctor. There are numerous drugs available in the market specifically intended for treating digestive diseases. Their effects on the body are varied, and some could pose serious side effects if not used properly. Some drugs can be purchased over the counter such as laxatives or antacids, but other drugs are only available with a doctor’s prescription.
People who suffer from similar medical conditions are not always prescribed the same drugs. This is because medications have different effects for each and every person. Some people may find themselves allergic to some medications, or combinations of these drugs may prove to be more harmful and complicate a patient’s condition. That is why people are always advised to consult with their doctors before taking any medication.
Common Medications
Treating and managing diseases are successful when patients understand why they are taking a certain medication. By visiting your physician, you are not only prescribed the proper medication but also advised on when or how often the drugs should be taken. It is important to remember that patients should not only take in the proper medication but should also follow the doctor’s advice on how much and how long you should be taking these drugs.
Below is a list of common medications used for treating digestive disorders:
• Antacids–this type of medication is intended for those suffering from heartburn, indigestion, or sour stomachs. Antacids lower the acid levels of the stomach to normal levels providing relief from symptoms such as pain or upset stomachs. These medications are quick acting, providing relief in a matter of minutes or in about an hour.
• There are three common types of antacids, aluminum and magnesium, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate or baking soda. These may come in the form of tablets, suspensions, gel, liquid, or lozenges. It is always recommended to consult your doctors before taking in antacids. This is because antacids have side effects for people suffering from colitis, constipation, hemorrhoids, bleeding or obstructed intestines, Alzheimer’s, and bone fractures.
• Anti-Inflammatory drugs–tissue damage and infections from digestive disorders cause inflammation. As their name implies, these medications reduce inflammations which may lead to complications such as constipation or irritation of the intestinal tract. These drugs also reduce the risks for colorectal cancers and treat symptoms associated with inflammation. These medications should be taken with caution and in consultation with your doctor. People suffering from medical conditions such as stomach ulcers, tuberculosis, liver diseases, kidney diseases and cardiovascular diseases should take caution and consult with their doctors because these drugs have harmful side-effects which may complicate their health problems.
• Anti-diarrhea–diarrhea is a natural reaction used by the body for eliminating toxins. The danger of diarrhea is when a patient loses too much fluids or nutrients which may leave them weak or dehydrated. For busy people and those who can’t afford to lose work, anti-diarrhea medications are great in providing temporary relief. It is important to remember that these drugs provide relief from diarrhea but they are not cures. The best way of treating diarrhea is still by eliminating its causes.
• Anti-emetics–these drugs are also called anti-vomiting or anti-nausea medications. They are used to relieve symptoms of vomiting and nausea which are present with some digestive disorders. The common side-effect with taking anti-emetics is that they might cause your tongue and stools to darken. This discoloration is normal, and patients should not be alarmed and should not be confused with other diseases. Other common side effects are dry mouth and drowsiness. While these medications are relatively safe and have no known side effects, caution must still be taken, especially for pregnant or breast-feeding mothers.
• Antispasmodics–these drugs are prescribed for patients suffering from stomach cramps or spasm. They provide relief for patients who have cramps or spasms in the stomach, intestinal and urinary bladder area. They can also be used as a therapy drug for peptic ulcers. These drugs usually come in the form of tablets, syrup, injections, suppositories, and capsules. Patients who have a history of cardiovascular problems must consult their doctors before taking these types of drugs.
• Laxatives–these types of medications relieve constipation and stool problems by promoting bowel movement. Laxatives soften the stools and promotes intestinal contractions for easy bowel elimination. They are safe and could be taken as over-the-counter drugs without the need of a doctor’s prescription. A common side effect associated with the use of laxatives is the risk of developing lazy bowel syndrome.
Understanding the different methods of treatment is the best way of insuring that the patient complies with the treatment. It is always important for patients to listen to their doctor’s advice, so they can fully understand why specific drugs are being prescribed.
This article aims to explain the different actions of digestive drugs in order to eliminate the anxiety and fear of patients especially when taking drugs. This article is not meant to teach a patient how to treat their medical condition, but makes it simpler for them to remember what are the actions of these drugs, and how it could help them. Self medication is always discouraged and consulting with your doctor before taking any medication is important to make sure that medications are used properly to avoid complications of improper drug use.
by Ronald Uy RN
© 2009 H.I.C
Sources:
Digestive Medications Center. Retrieved November 16, 2009 from yourtotalhealth: http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com
Symptoms. Retrieved November 16, 2009 from MERCK: http://www.merck.com
