Antacid use in a family-practice population

Area of Science:

• Family Medicine
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Antacid consumption is prevalent in the general population.
• Physician awareness of patient antacid use is often limited.
• Antacids can impact the absorption of various medications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of antacid use in a university family practice clinic.
• To identify patient demographics and symptoms associated with antacid use.
• To highlight the clinical significance of unrecorded antacid use.

Main Methods:

• Survey of 731 adult patients at a family practice clinic.
• Data collection on antacid usage frequency and associated symptoms.
• Analysis of patient demographics, including age and symptom reporting.

Main Results:

• 51.3% of patients reported using antacids in the prior six months; 10.9% used them daily.
• Antacid use was highest among individuals aged 31-40.
• Increased symptom reporting correlated with higher antacid consumption.

Conclusions:

• Antacid use is common in primary care settings.
• Physicians should routinely query patients about over-the-counter medication use, including antacids.
• Awareness of antacid use is crucial for managing potential drug-herb interactions and ensuring patient safety.