EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF ANTACIDS IN PREGNANT WOMEN SUFFERING FROM GERD/HYPERACIDITY SYMPTOMS

Author(s)

Donde S1, Kumari B2, Usha G31Pfizer India, Mumbai, India, 2VIMS Hospital, Kadavanthara, Ernakulam, India, 3Usha Hospital, TamilNadu, Kanyakumari Dist, India

OBJECTIVES: Symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are estimated to occur in 30-50% of pregnancies, with the incidence approaching 80% in some populations. Indian studies have shown prevalence ranging upto 50 % . As with many other conditions in pregnancy, medical therapy with pharmaceutical agents is a concern, as the potential teratogenicity of medications is not well known. Though prevalence numbers are high, many patients have mild and infrequent symptoms, which often respond to lifestyle and dietary modifications. However, some patients report very severe symptoms of hyperacidity affecting their Quality of Life which need treatment. The safety of H2 Receptor antagonists and PPIs in pregnancy is not well established. Antacids could be a good option as their systemic toxicity is low and safety profile is enhanced. METHODS: Data has been collected from practicing gynaecologists in a hospital located in Southern India . 50 female patients suffering from heartburn and/or dyspepsia as symptoms of hyperacidity  and GERD were treated with antacids containing aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and dimethicone. The patients were prescribed antacids for atleast 7 days and the effectiveness and safety profile of antacids was studied. The patients were followed up after one week and the response along with adverse effects  were documented. RESULTS: The effectiveness was achieved in 85 % of women who took only antacids atleast for 1 week. In 10 % of patients, Proton Pump Inhibitor was also added to achieve the desired response. Apart from 2 cases of mild diarrhea, no other significant side effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Antacids containing aluminium hydroxide , magnesium hydroxide and dimethicone can be a good therapy option for pregnant women suffering from symptoms of  significant hyperacidity and GERD The number  of patients was a limiting factor and more studies need to be done to establish the therapeutic  benefits of combination antacids in pregnant population.

Conference/Value in Health Info

2012-11, ISPOR Europe 2012, Berlin, Germany

Value in Health, Vol. 15, No. 7 (November 2012)

Code

PGI5

Topic

Clinical Outcomes

Topic Subcategory

Comparative Effectiveness or Efficacy

Disease

Gastrointestinal Disorders

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