EMILIO AGUINALDO COLLEGE
Gov. D. Mangubat St., Brgy. Burol Main, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite 4114, Philippines
Tel. Nos. (046) 416-4341-42www.eac.edu.ph
ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
SCHOOL OF NURSING
ANTACIDS
PHARMACOLOGY
Oteda, Jan Kyle S.
BSN 2-1
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EMILIO AGUINALDO COLLEGE
Gov. D. Mangubat St., Brgy. Burol Main, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite 4114, Philippines
Tel. Nos. (046) 416-4341-42www.eac.edu.ph
ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
SCHOOL OF NURSING
EMILIO AGUINALDO COLLEGE
SCHOOL OF NURSING
BSN LEVEL 2 SEC 1 and 2
1 What are the major side effects of antacids that contain aluminum salts &
magnesium salts? Identify nursing interventions to manage these side-effects
of antacids. (20 points)
Antacids are drugs that neutralize stomach acid and is used commonly for
symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal pain (sometimes described as sour stomach)
and nausea resulting from a number of conditions such as, inflammation or acid-peptic
ulcers of the esophagus (esophagitis), stomach (gastritis), and duodenum (duodenitis).
Antacids can typically contain salts of magnesium, aluminum, calcium and sodium
which can lead to a varied side effects depending on its contents.
Antacids that contain aluminum salts may cause constipation, nephrolithiasis,
osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and hypophosphatemia (low serum phosphate). If
hyperphosphatemia occurs because of poor renal function, aluminum hydroxide can be
given to decrease the phosphate level.
Antacids that contain magnesium have a laxative effect that may cause diarrhea,
and in patients with renal failure they may cause increased magnesium levels in the
blood (Hypermagnesemia), because of the reduced ability of the kidneys to eliminate
magnesium from the body in the urine.
Nursing Interventions for the use of Antacids with these kinds of side-effects
includes:
Monitor electrolytes and urinary pH, magnesium, and phosphate levels.
Avoid administering antacids with other oral drugs because antacids can
delay their absorption.
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EMILIO AGUINALDO COLLEGE
Gov. D. Mangubat St., Brgy. Burol Main, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite 4114, Philippines
Tel. Nos. (046) 416-4341-42www.eac.edu.ph
ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
SCHOOL OF NURSING
Assess patients for a Hx of renal disease (Hypermagnesemia may result
since antacids are high in magnesium which cannot be excreted by poorly
functioning kidneys.
Observe for constipation or diarrhea (Aluminum products produce
constipation, and magnesium products induce diarrhea)
Suggest use of combination or alternating use of aluminum and
magnesium products because it neutralizes gastric acid without causing
severe diarrhea or constipation.
Antacids are given 1 to 2 hours after other medications (Antacids interfere
with absorption of other drugs)
Direct patients to take antacids 1 to 3 hours after meals, and at bedtime.
Instruct patients not to take antacids at mealtime; they slow gastric
emptying time, causing increased GI activity and gastric secretions.
Warm patients to avoid taking antacids with milk or foods high in vitamin
D.
Encourage patients to drink 2 oz of water after taking antacids to ensure
that the drug reaches the stomach.
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