A 42-year-old woman visits the office complaining of nightly regurgitation and frequent episodes of burning in her chest. Hypertension is a medical history. Vital signs are in the normal range. 30 kg/m² is the BMI. The rest of the physical examination is normal, and there is no abdominal pain. The woman displays an over-the-counter antacid that she has been using to treat her symptoms to the doctor which contains magnesium and aluminum hydroxide. Which of the following is the most likely rationale for combining both mineral salts in this antacid preparation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium salts, such as magnesium trisilicate, are weak alkali mineral salts. They aid in the temporary relief of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms by briefly raising gastric pH by neutralizing hydrochloric acid.
Due to interactions with intestinal fluids that result in the formation of insoluble salts, aluminum hydroxide has a propensity to produce constipation. Magnesium salts, on the other hand, result in osmotic diarrhea. As a result, the two drugs are combined to counteract the side effects of each one alone. Magnesium salt monotherapy may help patients with reflux symptoms and persistent constipation, whereas aluminum hydroxide monotherapy may be helpful for people with persistent diarrhea.

A 42-Year-Old Woman Visits the Office Complaining of Nightly Regurgitation