Digestive Health Products: OTC Benefits for Stomach, Gut & Bowel Health
Digestive Issues Are Common in Seniors
Over 40% of seniors experience regular digestive problems including heartburn, constipation, and irregular bowel movements. Many effective digestive health products are covered by your Medicare Advantage OTC benefit, helping you manage these issues affordably.
Antacids & Acid Reducers
- Antacids: Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox provide quick relief from heartburn and acid indigestion. All are OTC-eligible and affordable
- H2 blockers: Famotidine (Pepcid) and similar products reduce stomach acid production for longer-lasting relief. Great for recurring heartburn
- Proton pump inhibitors: Omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) is available without prescription and covered by OTC benefits. Effective for frequent heartburn
Fiber & Constipation Relief
- Fiber supplements: Metamucil, Benefiber, and Citrucel help maintain regularity. Seniors often need extra fiber due to medication side effects and dietary changes
- Stool softeners: Docusate sodium (Colace) gently softens stools without stimulant effects. Safe for daily use in seniors
- Gentle laxatives: MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) is an osmotic laxative that's gentle and effective. OTC-eligible and doctor-recommended
Probiotics
- Why probiotics matter: Antibiotics, medications, and aging disrupt gut bacteria. Probiotics help restore healthy gut flora and improve digestion
- OTC-eligible brands: Culturelle, Align, and Florastor are commonly covered. Choose products with at least 1 billion CFU
- When to take: Take probiotics daily with food for best absorption. Consistency matters more than dosage
Anti-Diarrheal Products
- Loperamide (Imodium): Effective for occasional diarrhea. OTC-eligible and fast-acting
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): Treats both diarrhea and upset stomach. Check with your pharmacist about drug interactions first