1

Gastrointestinal Agents
Four Types:
1.Acidifying agents
2.Antacids
3.Protectives and Adsorbents
4.Saline Cathartics

10

11

Al(OH)3 gel:
Usual Dose:
15 ml four to six times a day; equivalent of 300 mg of
Al(OH)3 four to six times a day.
Usual Dose Range:
5 to 30 ml up to 12 times daily; equivalent of 300 mg to 5g
of Al(OH)3 daily.

12

13

14

15

16

Side effects of Mg(OH)2:

1. The Mg++ cation causes laxatives. For this reason, they are
usually found in combination with Aluminum and Calcium
antacids in an attempt to equalize the constipation and
laxative actions.
2. Although the Mg antacids are considered non-systemic,
small amount of Mg cation may be absorbed.
3. Since the absorbed Mg++ is excreted by the kidneys, the
Mg-containing antacids are contraindicated in patients with
impaired renal failure.
4. Otherwise, Mg++ retention can occur, leading to Mg
poisoning.
17

18

19

20

21

Combination Antacid Preparations:

1.Aluminum Hydroxide Gel- Magnesium Hydroxide
Combinations
2.Aluminum Hydroxide Gel- Magnesium Trisilicate
Combination
3.Magaldrate

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Saline Cathartics
Saline cathartics (purgatives) are agents that
quicken and increase evacuation from the bowels.
Uses
To relieve acute constipation
To ease defecation in patients with painful rectal
disorders.
Mechanism of action
Saline cathartics act by increasing the osmotic load of
the gastrointestinal tract.
They are salts of poorly absorbable anions and
sometimes cations.
The body relieves the hypertonicity of the gut by
secreting additional fluids into the intestinal tract.
The resulting increased bulk stimulates peristalsis.
Common official agents
Mg-hydroxide, Mg-sulfate
Na-biphosphate, Na-phosphate