Original Research

Chronic Over-the-Counter (OTC) Gastrointestinal Medications useand Its impact on the Gastrointestinal Tract in Aging Populations

Ibtesam Amjad1
Lahore General Hospital Lahore, Pakistan
Umbreen Aslam2
Services Institute of Medical Sciences/ Services Hospital Lahore, Pakistan
Nauman Rafi Rajpoot3
Shara Medical College Narowal, Pakistan
Bushra Mohyuddin2
Services Institute of Medical Sciences/ Services Hospital Lahore, Pakistan
Tabish Raza2
Services Institute of Medical Sciences/ Services Hospital Lahore, Pakistan
Zainab Hussain1
Lahore General Hospital Lahore, Pakistan

✉ Correspondence: Ibtesam Amjad Email: ibtesamamjad46691@import.invalid

DOI https://doi.org/10.70302/jpsim.v7i2.2629
Volume: 7, Issue 2 Pages: 146–149 Published: 03 Jun 2026
Received: 29 Dec 2025 Revised: 13 Apr 2026 Accepted: 04 May 2026 Published Online: 03 Jun 2026

Abstract

Objective

To assess the long-term effects of chronic OTC gastrointestinal medication use on the gastrointestinal tract in aging populations and to evaluate associated risk factors.

Methods

This study combines a comparative literature review with a multiple regression analysis. Data were analyzed to determine the association between chronic OTC medication use and adverse outcomes, including nutrient malabsorption, gut microbiota alterations, electrolyte imbalances, and gastrointestinal malignancies. The analysis controlled for potential confounders such as age, comorbidities, and polypharmacy.

Results

Chronic use of OTC gastrointestinal medications was significantly associated with increased risks of nutrient deficiencies, dysbiosis, and electrolyte disturbances. Additionally, a potential association with increased risk of gastrointestinal malignancies was observed. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that these associations remained significant after adjusting for confounding variables.

Conclusion

Prolonged use of OTC gastrointestinal medications in older adults is associated with clinically relevant adverse effects. These findings highlight the need for cautious use, regular monitoring, and increased awareness among healthcare providers to minimize potential risks in aging populations.

Keywords
Aging Gastrointestinal Over-the Counter Malabsorption PolyPharmacy Regression Analysis.

How to Cite This Article

Amjad I, Aslam U, Rajpoot NR, Mohyuddin B, Raza T, Hussain Z. Chronic Over-the-Counter (OTC) Gastrointestinal Medications useand Its impact on the Gastrointestinal Tract in Aging Populations. J Pak Soc Intern Med. 2026;7(2):146–149. doi:10.70302/jpsim.v7i2.2629

Conflict of Interest

All authors declare no competing interests.

Disclosed in accordance with ICMJE and COPE guidelines.

Funding

No specific funding was received for this research.

Funder information follows the Crossref Funder Registry standard.

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Reference list indexed for Google Scholar and ResearchGate. DOI links resolve via doi.org.

CC BY CC BY 4.0 This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. May be shared and adapted with attribution. © 2026 Journal of Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine.
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