Drug-Induced Nutrient Deficiencies

Gut Health Medications

Table of Contents

Gut Health medications include both prescribed and over the counter (OTC) drugs that are intended to address imbalance or disruption in normal digestion. Most of the commonly used Gut Health drugs are intended for short-term relief, and should not be taken on a long-term basis. These medications are most often used in combination with other lifestyle changes, allowing the individual to reset what is causing an issue.

ATTENTION: The medications listed below, whether available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription only, and their associated information presented are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare professional about supplementing any medication and the possible artificial nutrient deficiencies they may create.

Antifungals

Antifungal drugs are used to stop or kill fungus growth on your skin, hair, nails, skin, or even internal structures. Antifungal medications work by attacking the fungus to damage the integrity of its wall, or to slow and stop its growth in the first place. The dosage rate of different antifungals could mean as much as 8 weeks of treatment, with people that are susceptible to fungi infection requiring multiple treatments.

Common Names:

  • Fluconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Echinocandins
  • Itraconazole
  • Polyenes
Common Deficiencies:
Magnesium | Potassium | Vitamin B-12

Antacids

Antacids work by neutralizing the acid in your stomach to reduce damaging effects. The majority of antacids are magnesium-based while simultaneously known to create magnesium deficiency and calcium loss. While these medications do provide quick relief upon ingestion, their overall activities can reduce vitamin and mineral levels in the body. And this quick relief is not an actual solution to the underlying issues causing most acid-damage.

Common Names:

  • Pepcid
  • Prevacid
  • Tagamet
  • Prilosec
  • Nexium
  • Dulcolax
  • Protonix
  • Zantac
  • Zegerid
Common Deficiencies:
Zinc | Magnesium | Calcium | Vitamin B12

Laxatives

Both over the counter (OTC) and prescription laxatives are intended for intermittent use, and not as a long term solution to gut health and digestion. Each work in different ways in terms of ingredients as well as the "speed" at which relief occurs. Most laxatives require a minimum of 1-3 days to work appropriately after ingestion, while some use different mechanisms than others to encourage your bowel movements to expel stool. Laxatives are best used under supervision of your healthcare provider, although considered generally safe for long-term-use.

Common Names:

  • Prucalopride
  • Lubiprostone
  • Linaclotide
  • Polyethylene glycol
  • Plecanatide
  • Mineral Oil
Common Deficiencies:
Vitamin D | Vitamin E | Vitamin K | Calcium

Continue Your Journey

Keep learning about drug-induced deficiencies to help yourself and others stay nutrient sufficient.