Medicines for stomach pain
introduction
Depending on Cause of stomach pain come in medicine various drugs to use. Fall under antispasmodic drugs (Antispasmodics), normal pain relievers (Analgesics) and drugs that limit the Acidity of the stomach to reduce.
In addition to medication, one can also rely on one to relieve the symptoms change of lifestyle aim. For example through a Changing your eating habits or giving up cigarettes and alcohol.
Also "home remedies" like Warmth and Herbal teas (chamomile, Lemon balm, peppermint) bring an improvement and are initially used preferentially.
Medication
Over-the-counter drugs
A variety of over-the-counter drugs can be used to treat stomach pain. Stomach pain is a common problem for many people. You don't always have to point out a serious underlying illness. Abdominal pain occurs particularly often after eating, as it irritates the stomach, intestines or esophagus. This is usually temporary so that the pain can be bridged with over-the-counter medication.
Please also read the topic: Stomach pain after eating
Analgesics (Pain relievers) are a drug of choice for many types of pain. Particularly strong analgesics, for example the "opioids", are mostly only available on prescription. The group of NSAIDs, to which ibuprofen, Aspirin®, naproxen or diclofenac belong, can be obtained without a prescription in any pharmacy.
Paracetamol is also a very effective pain reliever for mild to moderate pain.
However, the side effects of NSAIDs can themselves cause stomach discomfort. They lead to increased acid build-up in the stomach and can thus irritate the mucous membranes of the stomach and esophagus.
If the pain is caused by stomach acid, antacids, antihistamines, or proton pump inhibitors can relieve the symptoms. Most of them are also available from pharmacies without a prescription.
Antispasmodics
If stomach pain occurs as a result of stomach cramps, you can prescribe antispasmodic drugs called antispasmodics. Stomach cramps are characterized by a wave-like course and occur at time intervals.
In the case of spasmolytics, a distinction is made between different substance classes, the common feature of which is to loosen the tension of the smooth muscles.
The spasmolytics include Parasympatholyticswhich act antagonistically to the normal action of the parasympathetic nervous system. The drugs block the receptors for the parasympathetic messenger substance Acetylcholine, so that there is a reduced willingness to contract the smooth muscles that line the gastrointestinal tract. Parasympatholytics include drugs such as:
- Atropine
- Butylscopolamine (trade name: Buscopan®)
- Ipratropium
Learn more about the topics: Atropine and similar anticholinergics and Buscopan®
The inhibition of the parasympathetic nervous system can lead to an increased heart rate and, under certain circumstances, angina pectoris attacks. Furthermore, bowel evacuation can be delayed, dry mouth, tiredness or restlessness can occur.
The Sympathomimetics These activate so-called Adrenergic receptors, whereby the sympathetic nervous system is activated. In the sympathetic nervous system one differentiates between alpha- and beta-Receptors. Only the beta receptors lead to one Relaxation of the smooth muscles, which is why only substances that act selectively on the beta receptors are chosen as spasmolytics.
Examples of these beta sympathomimetics are:
- Fenoterol
- Salbutamol
- Terbuatlin
Both parasympatholytics and beta-sympathomimetics act on the receptors of the nervous system, they are referred to as neurotropic antispasmodics. Here it can be a minor side effect as well Tremble come as well as to one increased heart rate and Increase in blood pressure.
In addition to these, there are substances that act directly on smooth muscles and trigger relaxation, the so-called myotropic antispasmodics. They include papaverine, as well organic nitrates and calcium counterparts (e.g. Nifedipine).
Analgesics
To Pain management Medicines such as:
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
Paracetamol counts alongside ASS and ibuprofen are among the most widely used pain medications. It takes place at light and moderate pain its application. Paracetamol belongs to the group of Cyclooxygenase inhibitors or to the group of Non-opioid analgesics. In addition, it has a antipyretic effect on. Because of his good tolerance it is often used in children.
Paracetamol inhibits the enzyme Cyclooxygenase 2, which is activated when cells are damaged and inflammation-promoting and also pain-intensifying Prostaglandins produced. When taking it you should definitely note that you have the Does not exceed the maximum daily dosebecause otherwise it too life-threatening liver damage can come.
Paracetamol is very poor at Side effects. Very rarely, when taken properly, side effects such as blood disorders, allergic reactions, abdominal pain, nausea and a Increase in Liver values come.
Ibuprofen belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and just like paracetamol to the Non-opioid pain relievers. It will also be at mild to moderate pain used, but unlike paracetamol also in the context of Inflammation, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect in addition to a pain-relieving and low fever-lowering effect. Ibuprofen also inhibits the enzyme Cyclooxygenase, however like the other NSAIDs it inhibits the Cyclooxygenase 1 and 2, which overall also leads to a suppressed formation of the inflammation-promoting, pain-inducing and fever-increasing prostaglandins.
Ibuprofen leads to more common Side effects as paracetamol. Gastrointestinal complaints such as heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and light bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract often occur.
Antacids
To combat acid-related stomach pain Medicines can also be used to reduce the acidic PH value increase in the stomach. The so-called Antacids. Both Antacids If it is a weak base or a salt of a weak acid, it is used to buffer the Stomach acid comes and the environment in the stomach becomes less acidic. Be applied aluminum- and Magnesium hydroxide gels as well as connections Calcium and Magnesium carbonate.
They are well tolerated and hardly ever absorbed so that they only work in the stomach. By developing Proton pump inhibitors and H2 antagonists Antacids are now used less, as they directly inhibit gastric acid production and thus work better and longer.
Antihistamines
, also as H2 antagonists called, inhibit gastric acid secretion. Antihistamines bind H2 receptors, so no histamine more can be included. Histamine normally promotes gastric acid secretion, so that the pH value in the stomach shifts towards more alkaline values.
Antihistamines have a lower inhibition of gastric acid secretion than comparable proton pump inhibitors. The antihistamines include, among others Cimetidine and ranitidine. Side effects such as headache, fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea and constipation occur rarely.
Learn more about: Antihistamines
Proton pump inhibitors
Through the Proton pump inhibitors will the Proton Potassium Pump inhibited in the gastric mucosa. This contributes to the formation of gastric acid by releasing protons, so that gastric acid production is inhibited by the proton pump inhibitors.
The blockage takes place irreversible instead, so that the acid cannot be secreted again until the pumps are regenerated after two to three days.
Dissolve proton pump inhibitors rarely side effects out. The side effects described include diarrhea, stomach pain, Bloating and dizziness. In the meantime, an unnecessarily disproportionate number of patients are being prescribed proton pump inhibitors, sometimes without the correct indication.
homeopathy
In many cases, you should refrain from taking medication in the case of mild complaints. In the case of indigestion or cramping of the stomach, simple tricks, natural or homeopathic remedies can help. A Hot water bottle or a hot bath can release mild cramps. To help hot teas with natural additives such as caraway, anise, fennel or chamomile. They also provide relief from irritation of the mucous membranes, for example acid irritations of the lower esophagus.
Different homeopathic remedies are used depending on the type of stomach pain. For complaints that after eating or after consuming alcohol occur is "Nux vomica“A popular resource. In the case of homeopathic remedies, careful attention must be paid to the patient's circumstances and mental state. Depending on the state of mind and the organic cause of the stomach pain, another homeopathic remedy must be used.
In the case of severe pain, however, self-treatment should be avoided. Severe cramps or colic that persist and occur with further symptoms must be examined by conventional medicine.
Naturopathy
Before you consider taking medication against stomach pain, you should first try a few proven ones Home remedies try, which often provide relief.
So have for example Herbal teas a calming effect on the Gastric mucosa. Among other things, the following have a soothing effect:
- chamomile
- fennel
- Lemon balm
- peppermint
- coriander
- basil
- Caraway seed
- anise
Warmth in the form of hot water bottles or heat packs is also often used for stomach pains, as they relax the organ muscles.
In addition, if you have frequent stomach pain, you should be on your own Habits respect, think highly of. Small meals in between are to be avoided excessive consumption of confectionery. Furthermore should also high-fat and luscious mealsn be avoided. Get in the habit of eating at set times. Likewise a heavy consumption of alcohol and cigarettes can lead to stomach problems and should therefore be throttled in any case.
L.read more on this topic: proper nutrition for stomach problems
Stomach pain from diclofenac gel
The active substance Diclofenac from the group of NSAIDs is often applied in gel form. The gel is particular for orthopedic pain and applied to joints. The active ingredient is only released through the skin at the relevant point. Since it is an acidic pain medication, a rare side effect can be an excess of acid in the stomach, which attacks the mucous membranes and leads to stomach pain. If there is typical stomach pain that is not related to a meal, the Diclofenac pain gel could be the cause.
Medicines for stomach pain during pregnancy and breastfeeding
During breastfeeding and pregnancy, the female body is exposed to great stress. Pregnancy itself can be a trigger for illness and stomach pain. Certain hormonal changes during pregnancy also loosen the sphincter muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. Pregnancy is not infrequently the cause of irritation of the esophageal mucous membrane and acid reflux disease.
Use of medication during pregnancy must be handled with caution. For mild to moderate pain, one should try Refrain from administering medication. Over-the-counter products such as Aspirin® can also cause harm to the child. It has been proven that it can lead to heart defects and cerebral hemorrhage in the child.NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac can also damage the heart and kidneys of the unborn child in an advanced pregnancy.
Most often will Paracetamol in pregnancy used. Currently there are hardly any known complications with paracetamol in pregnancy. If possible, home remedies and warmth should still take precedence in the event of mild discomfort before resorting to medication.
