GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS


GI section in your pharmacy, small packs of antacids could be placed in high-visibility areas - such as near the counter or till - to drive impulse purchase.


Alginates, such as sodium alginate, form a raft on the surface of the stomach contents which reduces acid refl ux, protecting the oesophagus. Due to the way alginates work, they should be taken after meals and before bed.


H2-receptor blockers would include the drugs ranitidine and famotidine. These drugs were originally prescription medicines but are now available over the counter. They work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach by stopping histamine from being able to bind to H2 receptors in the stomach. They’re good drugs for occasional heartburn, although they’re most effective when taken an hour before eating,


After undergoing a POM to P switch in recent years, PPIs work by reducing the amount of stomach acid produced through blocking the action of the proton pump. The advantage of taking a PPI is that patients can have relief of their symptoms for a few weeks; however, they won’t relieve heartburn right away, as they may take up to one or two hours to work. They are best taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before food. Examples of PPIs available OTC are omeprazole, esomeprazole and pantoprazole.


Anti-diarrhoea medicines such as loperamide help relieve diarrhoea by slowing down the bowel contractions which allows more time for the water and salts to be absorbed normally into the body. While effective, these medicines can sometimes result in a new problem: constipation.


Loperamide should not be used where there are any signs of an infection, as it could trap the bacteria in the gut make the infection worse.


Constipation can be treated with:


• bulk-forming laxatives (eg, ispaghula husk), which add bulk to the stools and soften them


• osmotic laxatives (eg, lactulose), which draw water into the bowel, making stools softer and easier to pass


• stimulant laxatives (eg, senna, bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate) which work by stimulating the nerve endings in the bowel to move the faeces on


• faecal softeners (eg, docusate sodium and glycerine suppositories) which work by lubricating the faeces. Glycerine suppositories also have a stimulant action on the bowel.


Other products available are defl atulents and antispasmodics. Defl atulents such as silicone, dimeticone and simeticone work by dispersing excess gas (caused by too much acid production) from the stomach. Antispasmodics such as peppermint oil, mebeverine and hyoscine are available as OTC medicines to help with mild stomach cramping and spasming by relaxing the smooth muscle in the bowel walls.


Natural remedies for treating GI upsets would be drinking the likes of peppermint or ginger tea to relieve indigestion and nausea. Herbs such as artichoke and dandelion are particularly supportive for the liver, which has prime responsibility for metabolising fats and can struggle with the extra challenges loaded onto it during the festive season. •


Image 2: Sales value of OTC medicines for gastrointestinal treatments in Great Britain in 2014 (in millions GBP)


ENTEROSGEL - ORGANIC


MINERAL FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH. TACKLE THE CAUSES OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS.


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Gut nasties are gently and effectively expelled from the body helping towards treatment of diarrhoea, allergies and IBS and protection of the intestinal wall.


ENTEROSGEL can be used long-term without systemic side effects and in conjunction with any medications. ENTEROSGEL is a drug-free oral suspension, medical device class IIA


Free from Preservatives, colouring, gluten, fat, sugar, lactose, fl avours and sweeteners. Non-allergenic.


ENTEROSGEL is available in tubes 90g for children and tubes 225g and sachets packs (10*15g) for children and adults from Sigma Pharmaceuticals, Alliance Healthcare, Tree of Life


For more information please visit enterosgel.co.uk RENNIE HEARTBURN, INDIGESTION AND WIND RELIEF


Rennie Heartburn, Indigestion & Wind Relief is a triple combination tablet which tackles three of the most common digestive health ailments.2


The chewable, mint fl avoured tablet gives fast and effective relief day or night, and is being supported by a multi-channel marketing campaign this autumn/winter.


The triple relief treatment contains antacids calcium and magnesium carbonate which act directly on the cause of the problem and create a rapid and powerful neutralising action which turns excess stomach acid into water. Whilst simethicone, an anti-foaming agent, causes gas bubbles to join and gently disperse the trapped gas easing any trapped wind. The formulation acts physically rather than by entering the bloodstream and can be taken during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding.*


Research shows that more than half (52%) of consumers who experience heartburn and indigestion symptoms are also affected by wind, yet 62% of these don’t seek treatment.3


Rennie’s triple relief formula is designed to be a convenient and complete solution to relieve all the symptoms at once, helping to minimise the physical and emotional impact on the consumer’s life.


For stock enquiries contact Ceuta Healthcare on 0844 243 6661. RRP £2.49 (12s) and £4.25 (24s). Visit the refreshed Rennie website (rennie.co.uk) for more information.


REFERENCES


1. PAGB: understand the consumer healthcare market [Internet]. PAGB. [cited 2017 Oct 16]. Available from: https://www.pagb.co.uk/about-us/about-our-industry/


2. Eighty-six per cent of Brits have suffered from a gastrointestinal problem in the past year | Mintel.com [Internet]. [cited 2017 Oct 16]. Available from: http://www.mintel.com/press-centre/ beauty-and-personal-care/86-of-brits-have-suffered-from-a-gastrointestinal-problem-in-the-past- year


3. OTC market breakdown: gastro-intestinal treatment medicine sales | UK [Internet]. Statista. [cited 2017 Oct 16]. Available from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/417545/over-the-counter- sales-for-gastro-intestinal-treatments-in-great-britain/


SCOTTISH PHARMACIST - 23


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