(12-09-10) Antacids Pose Unique Dangers for Seniors

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

However, physicians with Britain?s National Health Service 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, while
one category of the drugs, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), increase the risk of
pneumonia.

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.

The New York Times reported:

?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 being among the most widely prescribed medications in the world,
antacids don?t get much scrutiny from doctors or patients.

?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.

Sources:
New York Times August 11, 2010

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