Question

Explain that Antacids, antibiotics and Laxztives, when the medication would be prescribed or used and what the nutrient interaction would be. Think about what you would do to help an elderly person minimize the effects of this interaction. (for example...Vit.K is a blood coagulant...for people on blood thinners minimizing Vit K intake would be important...what foods would these be? What about supplements? )

Answer 1

Antacids are prescribed and used for treating or reducing the symptoms of acid reflux which may cause heart burn or inflammation on oesophagus. It also used to relieve the symptoms of extra gas formation such as bleeching, bloating, and feeling of pressure or discomfort in the stomach or gut region.

Nutrient interaction: A drug-nutrient interaction is the reaction between a medicine and one or more nutrients.

Interaction and Minimizing the effects: Antacids reduce the acidity in the stomach and other parts of the gut, this might reduce the absorption of nutrients. Caffine and alcohol can trigger the production of more stomach acid, which makes heart burn worse. More use of milk and diary products with antacids can lead high levels iof calcium in the blood, which causes kidney stones, weight loss, constipation, etc. Antacids containing aluminium compounds bind with bone building material. Drinking orange juice with antacids containig aluminium can increase the absorption of aluminium. So avoid these types of foods with antacids is the best way for eldery person.

Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent bacterial infections. They treat infections by killing or decreasing the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics cannot treat viral infections like flu, cold, coughs, etc.

Interaction and minimizing effects: Avoid antibiotics with milk and diary products because this may cause less absorption of the antibiotics in the body. Iron based food materials may affect the absorption of some antibiotics. Drug allergy, food allergy (fish, meat, milk, etc) people correctly check their allergens befor taking antibilotics. Follow these instructions to minimize this effect.

Laxatives are used to relieve constipation by loosing stools or stimulate bowel movements. Some laxatives are also used before some bowel procedures or medical examinations. Laxatives comes as pills, capsules, liquids, foods, gums, suppositories and enemas.

Interaction and minimizing the effects: Laxatives can affect the absorption of the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K and other nutrients from food. Drinking milk within an hour after taking laxatives can make the coating break down in the stomach. More use of laxatives can lead to dehydration and lack if nutrients. Minimize the effects of this interaction in an elderly person can reduce their laxatives by eating fibre-rich foods including fruits, vegetables, pulses, dried fruit and whole grains and drink plenty of water.