Paper II
2016 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Non systemic antacids

Q43 marksShort Notes

Answer

Non-systemic antacids are poorly absorbed alkaline compounds that neutralize gastric acid locally without producing significant systemic alkalosis.

Examples

  • Aluminium hydroxide
  • Magnesium hydroxide/trisilicate
  • Calcium carbonate (mostly non-systemic, minimal absorption)

Advantages over systemic antacids (e.g., sodium bicarbonate)

  • Do not cause systemic (metabolic) alkalosis
  • Do not cause significant sodium load — safer in hypertension/cardiac failure
  • Longer duration of acid-neutralizing action

Adverse effects

  • Aluminium hydroxide: constipation, phosphate depletion
  • Magnesium hydroxide: diarrhoea
  • (Often combined to offset each other’s bowel effects)
  • Can interfere with absorption of other drugs (e.g., tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) via chelation

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