OTC Medication for Common Gastrointestinal Problems

What is gastrointestinal system? The gastro-intestinal system is essentially a long tube running right through the body, with specialised sections that are capable of digesting material put in at the top end and extracting any useful components from it, then expelling the waste products at the bottom end. The whole system is under hormonal control, with the presence of food in the mouth triggering off a cascade of hormonal actions; when there is food in the stomach, different hormones activate acid secretion, increased gut motility, enzyme release etc.

Problems commonly faced in GIT: 1. 2. 3. 4. Heartburn/indigestion Bloating & Flatulence Diarrhea Constipation

The recommended OTC Medication: 1. Gelusil Plus 2. Pedialyte Liquid 3. Ducolax Tablets

Details: 1. Gelusil Plus a. Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Trisylicate, Simethicone b. 1-2 tab 1 hr after meal or as required. c. Relief of gastric pain, hyperacidity, heartburn, flatulence d. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems.

2. Pedialyte Liquid a. Sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, citrate, bicarbonate, phosphate b. Generally one to two ounces per pound of body weight is given over a period of 2 to 4 hours in this manner. And to treat Diarrhea. c. This solution should not be given when: there is an inability to drink, persistent vomiting is present. 3. Ducolax Tablet a. Bisacodyl as the main ingredient (laxative). b. Stimulate the bowels to ease passage of the fecal mass c. To treat constipation. Stomach/abdominal discomfort, faintness, or cramps may occur. Reasons for Choosing the OTC Medications: 1. Gelusil Plus a. It contains Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Trisylicate, Simethicone. The first two ingredients are used to medicate heartburn and the third ingredient is to medicate flatulence and bloating. Hence this is the perfect OTC medication to treat 2 different ailments. 2. Pedialyte Liquid a. During Diarrhea, our bodys essential salts are heavily lost and cause us to feel weak and tired. Pedialyte quickly replaces fluid and electrolytes lost during diarrhea to help prevent dehydration. In addition Oral Rehydration Salts are needed in various problems such as vomiting. So this makes an ideal OTC medication in a kit. 3. Ducolax Tablet a. Though there are many medications for constipation, stimulant laxatives are widely used for self medication and are easily available over the counter. Further research tells that people rate the Ducolax tablet over any other medication. Few reasons are that it does not contain any side effects and it is very effective.

Dry Mouth OTC Medication 1. Biotene Details a. Lysozyme (40mg), Lactoferrin (15mg), Glucose Oxidase (2,500 units), Lactoperoxidase (2,500 units). b. Use approximately one tablespoon whenever desired. Gargle thoroughly for 30
seconds and spit out.

c. 2. a.

From Research, There were no interactions/side effects found. Any dry mouth remedies has similar active ingredients. Their main purpose is to replace our lost saliva in our mouth and it stimulates enzyme production. What makes this OTC medication outstanding is that it does not only contain active ingredients, but also other ingredients that benefit our oral hygiene such as antibacterial and calcium. Not only that, it comes in all forms of method of intake. To name a few:

Biotene Reasons for choosing

i. Biotene Antibacterial Dry Mouth Toothpaste with Calcium in Gentle Mint Gel ii. Biotene Mouthwash with Calcium iii. Biotene PBF Toothpaste iv. Biotene Mouthwash b. It definitely serves a larger purpose than any other ordinary medication we might over the counter. Reference: http://www.drugs.com/comments/senna/senokot.html http://www.drugs.com/comments/bisacodyl/dulcolax.html http://www.medshopexpress.com/075504.html http://meds-zone.com/medic/drug/GELUSIL http://www.pharmacyhealth.net/d/pedialyte-5956.htm http://www.medicinenet.com/bisacodyl-oral/article.htm http://www.suite101.com/content/ingredients-in-biotene-favorites-a217823 http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/saliva-substitutes-topical,biotene-moisturizing-mouthspray.html http://www.just4teeth.com/Biotene-Mouthwash