Everyone has digestive problems occasionally, whether it is uncomfortable heartburn or embarrassing flatulence. Fortunately, there are simple solutions for many gastrointestinal symptoms. You can make dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent and manage common digestive problems. There is also a wide range of digestive aids available to treat common problems like gas, bloating, stomachache, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and hemorrhoids.

Medications for Common Digestive Problems

Medications to treat gas include lactase supplements that help in digesting dairy, alpha-galactosidase that helps break down complex carbohydrates and sugars, simethicone that relieves uncomfortable bloating caused by gas, and probiotics that help digestion by increasing the number of “friendly” bacteria in the gut. Examples of anti-gas medicines include Alka-Seltzer, Gas-X, Gelusil, Mylanta, and Mylicon.

Medications to treat heartburn include antacids that work by neutralizing stomach acid. Examples include Gaviscon, TUMS, Rolaids, Mylanta, and Alka-Seltzer. Doctors can also prescribe medications called H2 receptor blockers like nizatidine and famotidine (Pepcid) or proton pump inhibitors like lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), pantoprazole (Protonix), omeprazole (Zegerid, Prilosec), and rabeprazole (Aciphex) to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a condition in which the stomach acid regurgitates into the food pipe and causes a burning sensation in the chest. H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors work by reducing or blocking stomach acid production.

Medications to treat nausea and vomiting are called antiemetics. They work by speeding up how quickly food moves through the gut. Some antiemetics block signals in the brain’s vomiting center. Common nausea and vomiting medications include antihistamines like promethazine, hyoscine which works for nausea as well as motion sickness, metoclopramide that eases feelings of sickness by emptying the stomach, and domperidone that speeds up gut emptying. Medicines like haloperidol, chlorpromazine, and levomepromazine are used to treat nausea caused by radiation treatment in cancer patients. Ondansetron (Zofran) and other drugs in this class (5-HT blockers) are used to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea.

Medications to treat diarrhea include antibiotics if the diarrhea is caused by bacteria or parasites. Treatment also consists of replacing lost fluids and minerals with oral rehydration solutions. Anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) work by slowing intestinal movement so more water can be absorbed and the stool solidifies.

Medications to treat constipation are called laxatives and include fiber supplements like psyllium (Metamucil), intestinal stimulants like bisacodyl (Dulcolax) and sennosides (Senokot), osmotics like Milk of Magnesia and polyethylene glycol (Miralax) that stimulate bowel movements by increasing fluid secretion, lubricants like mineral oils that help stool move more easily through the large intestine, stool softeners like docusate sodium (Colace) that make the stool more moist, and enemas and suppositories that move stool out of the body through lubrication and stimulation.

Medications to treat hemorrhoids include creams, ointments, pads, and suppositories like Preparation H and Anusol. They work by reducing swelling, itching, and pain, and decreasing irritation in the area.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Digestive Problems

A large variety of digestive aids are available over-the-counter to treat common problems of the gastrointestinal tract. Most OTC drugs do not cause serious side effects. However, certain groups of people like very young children, older adults, those who are sick, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be more vulnerable to harm from OTC digestive aids. Also, some OTC medications can have dangerous interactions with prescription medications. It is, therefore, highly recommended that you consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting an OTC digestive aid if you are being treated with prescription medications. It is also worth remembering that OTC digestive medications are not designed to treat chronic, serious disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Common Side Effects of Digestive Medications

Side effects to anti-gas medications are rare when they are taken as directed. Very rarely, a serious allergic reaction can occur, consisting of symptoms like hives, swelling of the face and lips, and difficulty breathing. This is an emergency and you should call 911 if you have any such symptoms.

Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors can cause mild side effects including headache, fatigue, drowsiness, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Common side effects of antiemetics include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and fatigue.

Anti-diarrhea drugs can cause drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, and constipation as side effects.

Potential side effects of laxatives for constipation include cramps, weakness, dizziness, blood in the stool, and changes in bowel patterns.

Side effects of hemorrhoid medications include pain, burning, redness, and itching at the site of application. Some hemorrhoid creams contain steroids and these can cause acne, menstrual changes, increased hair growth on the face and body, skin rash, lightening of skin color, and inflammation of the hair follicles as side effects.

Common Questions

What changes can I make to avoid digestive problems?

Lifestyle changes are a relatively easy way to prevent digestive problems. You should try and develop healthy eating habits like eating slowly, chewing your food well, not skipping meals, and eating several small meals throughout the day instead of one or two large meals. A balanced diet that contains good amounts of fiber and less processed food can also help prevent digestive discomfort. If you are sensitive to certain foods like gluten or dairy, you should avoid them. In such cases, it is a good idea to consult a nutritionist to learn about food options that will help you get all the nutrients you need to stay healthy.

When should I consult a doctor for digestive problems?

If your symptoms do not go away after a few days or are getting worse, it is recommended you get a medical opinion. Feeling something is caught in your throat, pain that keeps you from doing routine activities, trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, unrelenting diarrhea, constipation that lasts more than a few days, and unexplained weight loss are some of the symptoms that warrant evaluation by a medical professional.

Can I get a discount on digestive aids with BuzzRx?

Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including OTC digestive aids and prescription medications—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.

References:

1.    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007447.htm
2.   https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682683.html
3.    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361959#
4.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525994/
5.    https://patient.info/digestive-health/nausea-and-vomiting/medicines-for-nausea
6.    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352246
7.    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354259
8.    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280#
9.    https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/drugs/over-the-counter-drugs/precautions-with-over-the-counter-drugs