Precautions for OTC Acid Reflux Therapy

As with any medication, there are precautions for OTC acid reflux therapy. Many patients are under the false pretense that the pharmaceutical products that can be purchased right off of the pharmacy shelves lend themselves to a higher level of safety just because of the locale in which they can be bought.

Nothing could be further from the truth, even for non-prescription products that are designed to treat acid reflux In the last few years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made reading medicine labels much easier.

Most labels now have "plain-speaking" terms that are easily understood, fonts and line spacing have been designed for easier readability (which is very important for seniors since they purchase nearly 30% of all the
OTC products sold in the United States) and they are all patterned in the same way as the nutritional contents of a food label.

There are six mandatory sections that must appear (and in this same order) on any drug label. The precautions for OTC acid reflux therapy are found in the same place as any other medication: the section labeled "warnings," as described below:

1. The active ingredient, including the amount in each recommended dosage. The purpose of the product is also found in this section.

2. The uses (sometimes called indications) for the drug.

3. Specific warnings, which describes under what conditions the drug may or may not be taken. This section also explains any side effects that could occur, activities that should be avoided and when it would be necessary to consult a healthcare professional. This may also be called “precautions.”

4. Dosage/Directions

5. "Other Information" tells you the temperature at which the product should be stored, etc.

6. Inactive ingredients, which is a key element in steering clear of any allergies that a patient may have. If you were to examine some of the labels for the most popular OTC acid reflux therapy, you’d find many of the following precautions in their appropriate section:

1. Calcium requirements may need to be increased.
2. May worsen constipation.
3. Use cautiously in patients with decreased kidney function
4. May cause diarrhea.
5. Can lead to renal (kidney) impairment with extended use.
6. Do not use while driving or operating hazardous machinery.
7. Use ONLY if absolutely necessary during pregnancy.
8. Pregnancy and age restrictions.
9. Use with other products

This list is certainly not comprehensive and it will vary from product to product in any given class. Understanding the precautions for OTC acid reflux therapy is the responsibility of the patient. It’s important to know what a medication does, what it won’t do and the guidelines for taking it.

Because each patient and each medication is different, the number of potential side effects could be infinite depending upon an unending list of variables.

It is also possible to experience a side effect that is not listed so, for the sake of safety, always seek advice from your physician or pharmacist before beginning ANY treatment regimen.

Herbal remedies are a great alternative to costly prescriptions. These herbs can be used alone or with each other to find the best outcome for you. To learn more including what herbs are available to treat acid reflux, click here.

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