Abstract
Objective: The present study aims to explore the prescribing trends of aluminum hydroxide - magnesium hydroxide in the outpatient setting.
 Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in a public hospital in Al Saih. Prescription data was collected retrospectively from electronic patients records in the outpatient section of the hospital.
 Results: A total of 146 outpatients received aluminum hydroxide - magnesium hydroxide antacid between 1st of July till the end of December 2018. Most of the patients were female (61.64%). Out of the 146 prescriptions, 145 were written by residents (99.32%) and only 1 prescription was written by a specialist (0.68%). Most of the prescriptions were written by emergency department (91.79%).
 Conclusion: The use of aluminum hydroxide - magnesium hydroxide was uncommon but it should be prescribed carefully and a continuous assessment of its prescribing is required to prevent its adverse events and drug interactions.
Highlights
Antacids are a group of medications that have been on the market for several years
Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are antacids that are used together to relieve upset stomach, heartburn and acid indigestion. They may be used to treat these symptoms in patients with esophagitis, peptic ulcer, hiatal hernia, gastritis and gastric hyperacidity because they combine with stomach acid and neutralize it [6]
The present study aims to explore the prescribing trends of aluminum hydroxide - magnesium hydroxide in the outpatient setting in Al Saih
Summary
Antacids are a group of medications that have been on the market for several years. They were initially considered a first-line defense against peptic ulcer; the discovery of other drugs such as proton pump inhibitors changed peptic ulcer disease management [1]. Antacids have major roles to play in the treatment of gastric acid related disorders. They have clear advantages and disadvantages when compared with the antisecretory agents [4]. Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are antacids that are used together to relieve upset stomach, heartburn and acid indigestion. They may be used to treat these symptoms in patients with esophagitis, peptic ulcer, hiatal hernia, gastritis and gastric hyperacidity because they combine with stomach acid and neutralize it [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
