Gastro and Intestinal Medications

Heartburn

A burning sensation in the chest caused by acid from the stomach entering the esophagus. The medical term is Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gastric acid in the stomach moves upward into the esophagus, causing discomfort and a burning sensation.

Calcium carbonate

Tums, Rolaids
Antiacid

Magnesium Hydroxide

Milk of Magnesia, Maalox
Antiacid

Lansoprazole

Prevacid
PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor)

Dexlansoprazole

Dexilant
PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor)

Omeprazole

Prilosec
PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor)

Esomeprazole

Nexium
PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor)

Rabeprazole

Aciphex
PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor)

Pantoprazole

Protonix
PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor)

Famotidine

Pepcid
H2 Blocker

Constipation

Hard stools or difficulty with bowel movements. Common causes include dehydration (reduced fluid intake), lack of fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, and medications. Opioid pain medications are a common cause.

Psyllium

Metamucil
Bulk-forming laxative

Methylcellulose

Citrucel
Bulk-forming laxative

Docusate

Colace
Stool softener

Magnesium salts (magnesium hydroxide, magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate), Epsom salts

Milk of Magnesia
Osmotic laxative

Sodium phosphate

Fleet Enema
Osmotic laxative

Polyethylene glycol

MiraLAX
Osmotic laxative

Senna

Senokot, Ex-Lax
Stimulant laxative

Bisacodyl

Ducolax
Stimulant laxative

Glycerin

Avedana Glycerin, Fleet Liquid Glycerin Supp
Stimulant laxative

Bulk-forming laxatives

They absorb water into the stool to increase its bulkiness so that it moves along the colon more easily. They usually start working within 2–3 days.

Stool softeners

They are emollients (oils) that soften and lubricate the stool, making it easier to pass. Their onset of action is 2–3 days.

Osmotic laxatives

They pull water into the colon to hydrate the stool. They start working in 1–3 days.

Stimulant laxatives

They stimulate bowel movements by causing local irritation to the lining of the bowel. Stimulants work more quickly than other laxatives. Glycerin works within 30 minutes, whereas senna and bisacodyl work within 6–12 hours.

Loperamide (Imodium)

An opioid agonist that slows the movement of food along the digestive tract. One of the OTC medications used to treat diarrhea.

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

It acts as an antacid and reduces the frequency of bowel movements. Another OTC medication used to treat diarrhea

Diphenoxylate 2.5 mg/atropine 0.025 mg (Lomotil)

A prescription only medication that can be used to treat cases of diarrhea that are not resolved by OTC Imodium. The diphenoxylate ingredient in Lomotil is an opioid agonist that helps slow down the digestive system. Because it contains an opioid ingredient, Lomotil is a schedule V controlled substance.

Odansetron

Zofran
Antiemetic

Granisetron

Sancuso, Sustol
Antiemetic

Promethazine

Phenergan
Antiemetic

Prochlorperazine

Compro
Antiemetic

Aprepitant

Emend
Antiemetic

Dexamethasone

Dexabliss, DoubleDex
Antiemetic

Dimenhydrinate

Driminate
Antiemetic

Diphenhydramine

Benadryl
Antiemetic

Meclizine

Bonine, Travel-Ease
Antiemetic

Antiemetics

Medications that are used to treat nausea and vomiting