Some aspects of medical management of gastrointestinal disease. Part II.

Antacids are among the most frequently used drugs, yet common prescribing habits suggest that there is little familiarity with effective dosage schedules, side effects, or the differences between various antacid preparations. These factors, which are important in the choice of a specific antacid preparation, are discussed in an attempt to provide a rational basis for therapy.Corticosteroids, salicylazosulfapyridine (Salazopyrin) and diphenoxylate hydrochloride-atropine (Lomotil) are often used in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Recently described regimens for treating acute exacerbations and maintaining remission in patients with ulcerative colitis are reviewed, and attention is drawn to possible adverse effects of Lomotil in the treatment of colonic disease.