Abstract
Antacids neutralize gastric acid and are, partly due to their over-the-counter availability, broadly used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults. They are utilized for more than 2,000 years, though evidence of the effectiveness and safety is limited in infants [1]. Antacids have an effect on the short-term relief of heartburn and the healing of esophagitis. Characteristic antacids consist of alkali complexes of aluminum and/or magnesium, aluminum and magnesium phosphates, magnesium trisilicate, carbonate, and bicarbonate salts [2]. Alginate-based raft-forming formulations vary from conventional antacids by forming a gel on the surface of the gastric contents and contain sodium or potassium bicarbonate. Alginates and antacids components are frequently combined in one product. Because of potential toxicity, prolonged use of antacids should be avoided [3].
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Mandel KG, Daggy BP, Brodie DA, Jacoby HI. Review article: alginate-raft formulations in the treatment of heartburn and acid reflux. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2000;14:669–90.
Gottrand F, Faure C. Drug therapy; acid-peptic disease. In: Walker W, Goulet O, Kleinman RE, Sherman PM, Shneider BL, Sanderson IR, editors. Pediatric gastrointestinal disease. Ontario: BC Decker; 2004. p. 2086–7.
Vandenplas Y, Rudolph CD, Di Lorenzo C, et al. North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition. Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux clinical practice guidelines: joint recommendations of the North American society of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition and the European society of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2009;49:498–547.
Keady S. Update on drugs for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed. 2007;92:e114–8.
Dettmar PW, Sykes J, Little SL, Bryan J. Rapid onset of effect of sodium alginate on gastro-oesophageal reflux compared with ranitidine and omeprazole, and relationship between symptoms and reflux episodes. Int J Clin Pract. 2006;60:275–83.
Malmud LS, Charkes ND, Littlefield J, et al. The mode of action alginic acid compound in the reduction of gastroesophageal reflux. J Nucl Med. 1979;20:1023–8.
Tytgat GN, Simoneau G. Clinical and laboratory studies of the antacid and raft-forming properties of Rennie alginate suspension. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2006;23:759–65.
Tighe MP, Afzal NA, Bevan A, Beattie RM. Current pharmacological management of gastro-esophageal reflux in children: an evidence-based systematic review. Paediatr Drugs. 2009;11:185–202.
Cucchiara S, Staiano A, Romaniello G, et al. Antacids and cimetidine treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux and peptic oesophagitis. Arch Dis Child. 1984;59:842–7.
Carroccio A, Iacono G, Montalto G, et al. Domperidone plus magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide: a valid therapy in children with gastroesophageal reflux. A double-blind randomized study versus placebo. Scand J Gastroenterol. 1994;29:300–4.
Maton PN. Profile and assessment of GERD pharmacotherapy. Cleve Clin J Med. 2003;70 Suppl 5:S51–70.
Del Buono R, Wenzl TG, Ball G, et al. Effect of Gaviscon Infant on gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants assessed by combined intraluminal impedance/pH. Arch Dis Child. 2005;90:460–3.
Wenzl TG, Trachterna M, Silny J. Effect of thickened feeding on gastroesophageal reflux in infants—a placebo-controlled study using intraluminal impedance. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2000;30:S206.
Miller S. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of a new aluminium-free paediatric alginate preparation and placebo in infants with recurrent gastro-oesophageal reflux. Curr Med Res Opin. 1999;15:160–8.
Buts JP, Barudi C, Otte JB. Double-blind controlled study on the efficacy of sodium alginate (Gaviscon) in reducing gastroesophageal reflux assessed by 24 h continuous pH monitoring in infants and children. Eur J Pediatr. 1987;146:156–8.
Forbes D, Hodgson M, Hill R. The effects of gaviscon and metoclopramide in gastroesophageal reflux in children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1986;5:556–9.
Flockhart DA, Desta Z, Mahal SK. Selection of drugs to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: the role of drug interactions. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2000;39:295–309.
Sutphen JL, Dillard VL, Pipan ME. Antacid and formula effects on gastric acidity in infants with gastroesophageal reflux. Pediatrics. 1986;78:55–7.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
van der Pol, R.E., Benninga, M.A. (2017). Antacids and Alginates in the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. In: Till, H., Thomson, M., Foker, J., Holcomb III, G., Khan, K. (eds) Esophageal and Gastric Disorders in Infancy and Childhood. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-11202-7_87
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-11202-7_87
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-11201-0
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-11202-7
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)