Medications that decrease acid production are referred to as acid blockers. H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors comprise this category of drugs. The H2 blockers hinder the histamine receptors located on the acid producing cells found in the stomach. The proton pump inhibitors block the acid producing enzyme found in the stomach lining. These pharmaceutical chemicals are systemically absorbed and produce effects beyond the digestive system.
Common Side Effects of H2 Blockers
Three commonly known H2 blockers include Tagamet, Pepcid, and Zantac. According to the Physicians' Desk Reference website, H2 blockers can cause dizziness. Drinking alcohol while taking a H2 blocker worsens the side effect of dizziness. Tagamet increases the effects of alcohol. Patients should avoid driving or performing dangerous tasks until they learn how they will react to the drug. Documented side effects of H2 blockers include headache, drowsiness, ringing in the ear and difficulty sleeping. The H2 blockers cause breast swelling and soreness in both women and men. Tagamet causes breast development in men. Zantac cause changes in blood cell counts, irregular heartbeats and liver problems. Additional possible side effects of H2 blockers include headache, constipation, nausea and vomiting.
Common side effects of proton pump inhibitors
Drugs known as proton pump inhibitors include Prevacid, Prilosec, and Zegerid, says the Physicians' Desk Reference website. Proton pump inhibitors produce similar side effects as the H2 blockers. Similar side effects include dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, ringing in the ear and constipation. Taking Prevacid may cause abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and swelling because of fluid retention. Taking Prilosec with the antibiotic, Biaxin, possibly produces nasal inflammation, flu-like symptoms, and tongue discoloration . Combining Prilosec, Biaxin and amoxicillin causes the side effects of headache, diarrhea and taste alteration.
Long term side effects of acid blockers
A decrease in stomach acid directly impedes the body's ability to absorb calcium. According to the website, The Reflux Defense System, long-term use of acid blockers increases the risk of osteoporosis. Stomach acid destroys bacteria and fungi that enter the digestive tract. Low stomach levels weaken this defense mechanism. Long-term use of acid blockers increase the risk of developing bacterial and fungal gastric infections. The body compensates for low stomach acid levels by producing more of the hormone, gastrin. High levels of gastrin increase the risk of developing esophageal, gastric and pancreatic cancer.
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