Which of the following is a common Adverse effect of antacid use?

Appeared in: Raj. CHO -2025

Explanation

Constipation is a very common adverse effect associated with the use of antacids that contain aluminum or calcium salts.
These metallic salts slow down intestinal motility, leading to harder stools and difficulty with bowel movements.
This effect is so common that many antacid formulations combine aluminum/calcium with magnesium (which causes diarrhea) to create a more balanced effect on the bowels.

Option B: While diarrhea is a common side effect of antacids, it is specifically caused by magnesium-containing preparations, not all types of antacids.
Option C: Tachycardia (a heart rate over 100 bpm) is not a recognized common or direct side effect of standard antacid use.
Option D: Headache is not a common side effect of antacids. The original option 'Question not attempted' is invalid.

Visual 1: Table: Create a simple table comparing three main types of antacids (Aluminum-based, Magnesium-based, Calcium-based) and their primary gastrointestinal side effect (Constipation vs. Diarrhea).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology: Adverse Effects of Antacids as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must monitor the bowel habits of patients regularly using antacids, especially elderly or bedridden patients who are at a higher risk for constipation and potential impaction.
Patient education is key. Advise patients to report persistent constipation or diarrhea. If one side effect is problematic, a switch to a different type of antacid or a combination product may be necessary.
What if? If a patient has chronic kidney disease, the nurse must be vigilant about the type of antacid used. Magnesium-based antacids should be avoided as impaired kidneys cannot excrete the excess magnesium, leading to hypermagnesemia and potential toxicity. Aluminum-based antacids are generally considered safer in this population.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'common adverse effect' and 'antacid'.
Recall that 'antacid' is a class of drugs, not a single substance. The main types are based on their metallic salt: aluminum, magnesium, and calcium.
Remember the classic opposing side effects: Aluminum and Calcium cause Constipation; Magnesium causes Diarrhea.
Evaluate the options based on this knowledge. Both 'Constipation' and 'Diarrhea' are common side effects of the antacid class as a whole.
Since the question asks for 'a' common effect, and both A and B are technically correct for different types, select one. 'Constipation' is a valid answer as it's a known effect of two major types (aluminum and calcium).
Eliminate other options. 'Tachycardia' is not a direct or common side effect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full Raj. CHO -2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.