WBR0728
| Author | [[PageAuthor::Rim Halaby, M.D. [1]]] |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | ExamType::USMLE Step 1 |
| Main Category | MainCategory::Pharmacology |
| Sub Category | SubCategory::Gastrointestinal |
| Prompt | [[Prompt::A 48 year old male patient presents to the physician's office complaining of heartburn. Following appropriate work-up, he is diagnosed with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The patient informs the physician that he has recently been using over-the-counter aluminum hydroxide, which has been effectively relieving his symptoms. Chronic use of aluminum hydroxide is associated with which of the following conditions?]] |
| Answer A | AnswerA::Diarrhea |
| Answer A Explanation | AnswerAExp::Magnesium-based antacids are associated with diarrhea. |
| Answer B | AnswerB::Hyporeflexia |
| Answer B Explanation | AnswerBExp::Magnesium-based antacids are associated with hyporeflexia. |
| Answer C | AnswerC::Hemorrhoids |
| Answer C Explanation | AnswerCExp::Aluminum-based antacids are associated with constipation, which might predispose to hemorrhoids. |
| Answer D | AnswerD::Hyperkalemia |
| Answer D Explanation | AnswerDExp::Generally, antacids are associated with hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia. |
| Answer E | AnswerE::Cardiac arrest |
| Answer E Explanation | AnswerEExp::Although very rare, magnesium-based antacids are associated with cardiac arrest. |
| Right Answer | RightAnswer::C |
| Explanation | [[Explanation::Aluminum-based antacids, such as aluminum hydroxide, are indicated for GERD. Although they are over-the-counter medications, they are not free of side effects. In comparison to other antacids, aluminum-based antacids are known to commonly cause constipation, which might predispose to hemorrhoids. As such, physicians must be cautious in allowing patients with hemorrhoids to use aluminum-based antacids because of their potential exacerbation.
Educational Objective: Aluminum hydroxide is associated with constipation, which might predispose to hemorrhoids. |
| Approved | Approved::No |
| Keyword | WBRKeyword::antacid, WBRKeyword::magnesium, WBRKeyword::aluminum, WBRKeyword::hydroxide, WBRKeyword::hemorrhoids, WBRKeyword::constipation, WBRKeyword::side, WBRKeyword::effect, WBRKeyword::GERD, WBRKeyword::gastroesophageal, WBRKeyword::reflux, WBRKeyword::disease, WBRKeyword::heartburn |
| Linked Question | Linked:: |
| Order in Linked Questions | LinkedOrder:: |