Type of Medication | Some Side Effects | Comments |
---|---|---|
Antacids | ||
| Aluminum hydroxide: Nausea, headache, weakness, loss of appetite, and constipation Magnesium hydroxide: Diarrhea | These drugs are used mainly to relieve symptoms, not as a cure. |
Histamine-2 (H2) blockers | ||
| Rash, fever, diarrhea, muscle pains, and confusion Cimetidine: May cause breast enlargement Breast enlargement in men Breast disorders occur infrequently in men. Breast disorders include Breast enlargement Breast cancer Breast enlargement in males is called either gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia. Gynecomastia... read more and erectile dysfunction Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to attain or sustain an erection satisfactory for sexual intercourse. (See also Overview of Sexual Dysfunction in Men.) Every man occasionally has... read more in men and may interfere with elimination of certain medications | The once-daily dose is taken in the evening or at bedtime. Doses taken in the morning are less effective. |
Proton pump inhibitors | ||
| Diarrhea, constipation, and headache | These medications are usually well tolerated and are most effective means of reducing stomach acid. |
Other medications for stomach acid | ||
| Misoprostol: Abdominal cramping, spontaneous abortion, diarrhea Sucralfate: May reduce absorption of other medications, constipation | Misoprostol is rarely used for treatment of stomach disorders due to the side effects. Sucralfate does not affect acid production but coats stomach ulcers to protect them from acid. |