Antacid drugs like Zantac, Pepcid, Prevacid and Nexium are some of the most widely prescribed medications in the world.

According to Britain’s National Health Service, physicians are warning seniors of serious side effects associated with the drugs, especially as you get older.

Antacids are linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal infections, and one actually type actually increases the risk of pneumonia, they are called protein pump inhibitors (PPIs).

PPIs are also associated with an increased risk of infection with the C. difficile bacterium, which is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause serious diarrheal illness.

This according to the New York Times:

“Several studies also have shown an increased risk of bone fractures from osteoporosis in patients taking P.P.I.’s, though the results aren’t consistent. Possibly the change in stomach acidity reduces the body’s ability to absorb calcium.”

Despite the significant number of these prescriptions world wide, antacids are relatively ignored by doctors and patients regarding safety.

“When patients were admitted to our geriatric wards, a lot of them didn’t have clear indications for taking these drugs,” said Dr. Ian Logan, a Scottish physician. “And they’ve remained on them for a lot longer than they should have.” One of his patients had been taking an acid reducer for 15 years.

“They do have significant side effects, especially in older patients,” Dr. Logan said. Studies have linked antacids to an increased risk of pneumonia, gastrointestinal infections, antibiotic resistance, severe diarrhea, and possibly osteoporosis.

This common approach to heartburn and indigestion needs to be called into question. A better alternative does exist. Enzyme replacement therapy, father by Dr. Howard Loomis, is an effective soultion. You can see why this is important and how it works at http://nevadachiro.com/Easy-Lessons.html.

Sources:

New York Times August 11, 2010