The easy access to OTC pills is affecting your gut.

A drug is a drug is a drug. Whether it's illegal to purchase in public or has to be prescribed by a doctor, or you can grab it off the shelf while purchasing a week's worth of groceries, all drugs have side effects and can cause health issues. Whether a drug starts as a plant or gets manufactured in a lab, various chemical changes occur in man's hand to give you a sense of Euphoria.

Are you an over-the-counter (OTC) pill popper? Do you see yourself grabbing over-the-counter medication to free yourself of chronic pain? This is a judgment-free zone because anyone with chronic pain would do whatever they could to get relief. I know I would, but you also want to ask yourself the last questions because, down the road, you could face new challenges. Reminder, just because you have unlimited access doesn't mean there aren't consequences for overuse. Here are a few over-the-counter medications that are used regularly by a large population of Americans.

PPI's Proton Pump Inhibitors: AKA (Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid)

PPI's Proton Pump inhibitors support individuals who have received gastric bypass by supporting the reduction of stomach acid production and preventing and treating ulcers. Still, as mentioned in the previous write-up, they are not meant to be taken for a significant amount of time. Chronic use of PPIs can lead to stomach ulcers, usually caused by Clostridium difficile because of the imbalance of gut bacteria in the microbiome, which has a symptom of diarrhea. Iron and B12 deficiency can also be a leading cause of health issues that develop due to chronic use of PPI's. The stomach breakdown iron and B12 into a readily absorbed form which requires and if stomach acid is constantly low, then there will be a nutrient deficiency for B12, iron, and Vitamin K. (3)

NSAIDs Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: AKA Aspirin ( Bayer, Bufferin), Ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin)

NSAIDs are ibuprofen and other common pain relievers that, when taken regularly, can weaken the ability of the lining to resist acid made in the stomach lining, causing gastritis, ulcers, and bleeding. (1) It can also increase the severity of reflux if taken chronically. NSAIDs can cause a range of stomach problems. It may cause damage to the large bowel with resultant lesions, including ulceration, mucosal diaphragm formation, and even perforation ( small holes). Small intestinal inflammation and ulceration due to NSAID use are frequent and can be severe.

Antacids: AKA Mylanta

There are various antacids, but antacids containing aluminum can cause constipation because they affect the nerve and muscle activity in the colon resulting in slow and difficult passage of the stool. (1) Chronic consumption of aluminum-based antacids can also cause brain toxicity and affect the fetus after gestational exposure. (4)

Vitamin C and Iron Supplementation

Vitamin C and Iron are beneficial supplements if you do not have access to foods that contain vitamin c and iron. Helpful tip Vitamin C and Iron are powerful vitamin duos. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron when taken in the same meal. High consumption of vitamin C and iron pills can become lodged in the esophagus and cause ulcers. Please be aware of the supplements you are currently taking because not all supplements are created equal, and you could be wasting money if you already get your nutrients through food. Work with a nutrition professional to help dissect your current eating style to determine if you require supplementation.

Antihistamines: AKA Allegra, Benadryl, Xyzal, Claritin

Most of us who suffer from seasonal allergies are familiar with Antihistamines. Especially our good buddy Benadryl. It was nap time 10 minutes after you took that little pink pill. Unfortunately, chronic consumption of antihistamines can lead to xerostomia. Xerostomia is dry mouth, usually caused by reduced saliva flow associated with the salivary glands. A dry mouth can cause tooth decay, sore throat, and swallowing problems. (6) I have to say I am so glad there are other options for allergy sufferers.

Your gut health affects your overall health, and scientists are now finding out that OTC medications that were once helpful are now causing additional health issues. Make it a goal to focus on addressing the underlying cause of pain or discomfort you may have instead of popping an OTC to reduce the symptoms temporarily.

****Withdrawl of Ranitidine

In April 2020, the Food and Drug Administration requested that all forms of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine (Zantac) be removed from the U.S. market. This recommendation was made because unacceptable levels of NDMA, a probable carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical), were found in some ranitidine products. (5)

Health Disclaimer: This blog contains the opinions and ideas of its authors. It is intended to provide helpful general information on the subjects it addresses. It is not a substitute for the advice of the reader's physician (s) or other medical professionals based on the reader's own individual conditions, symptoms, or concerns. Readers should consult the appropriate health professional on any health matter. The author disclaims all responsibility for injury, damage, or loss that the reader may incur as a direct or indirect consequence of following any directions or suggestions.

References

1. Medicines and the digestive system. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/medicines-and-the-digestive-system. November 20, 2022.

2. Philpott, H. L., Nandurkar, S., Lubel, J., & Gibson, P. R. (2014). Review: Drug-induced gastrointestinal disorders. Frontline Gastroenterology, 5(1), 49-57. https://doi.org/10.1136/flgastro-2013-100316

3. Proton-Pump inhibitors: What you need to know. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/proton-pump-inhibitors.September 30, 202.

4. Reinke CM, Breitkreutz J, Leuenberger H. Aluminium in over-the-counter drugs: risks outweigh benefits? Drug Saf. 2003;26(14):1011-25. doi: 10.2165/00002018-200326140-00003. PMID: 14583063.

5. Madell, Robin. "Over-the-counter GERD treatments: An overview." 20,Sept.2021.https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/over-the-counter.

6.Dry Mouth (Xerostomia).Cleaveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10902-dry-mouth-xerostomia. Assessed November. 21.2021