Antiulcer Drugs

Question 1

What are antiulcer drugs used for?

Answer 1

Intended to counteract the processes that lead to GI ulcer formation

Question 2

What can cause GI ulcer formation? (5)

Answer 2

1. Hyperacidity
2. Direct injury by drugs or chemicals
3. Reflux of bile from duodenum into stomach
4. Accumulation of metabolic toxins
5. Decreased PGE production

Question 3

What are most Antiulcer Drugs used as?

Answer 3

antacids in the stomach

Question 4

How do antacids work?

Answer 4

decrease gastric irritation by decreasing acidity

Question 5

What are some examples of systemic antacids? (3)

Answer 5

1. cimetidine (Tagamet)
2. ranitidine (Zantac)
3. famotidine (Pepcid)

Question 6

What are the general characteristics of systemic antacids? (2)

Answer 6

1. decreases gastric acid secretion (HCl) in stomach by blocking histamine receptor cells
2. Cimetidine inhibits metabolism of some other drugs by the liver

Question 7

What are some examples of Non-systemic antacids? (3)

Answer 7

1. calcium carbonate (Tums, Rolaids)
2. magnesium hydroxide (Carmilax, Riopan)
3. aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel)

Question 8

What are the general characteristics of non-systemic antacids? (4)

Answer 8

1. Minerals directly neutralize acid molecules in the stomach
2. Ca and Al antacids can cause constipation
3. Mg antacids can cause diarrhea
4. May interfere with absorption of other drugs

Question 9

What are the general characteristics of Omeprazole (Prilosec)? (2)

Answer 9

1. Binds to an enzyme in the parietal cell to prevent secretion of H+ into the intestinal lumen
2. HCl secretion

Question 10

What are the general characteristics of Sucralfate (Carafate)? (3)

Answer 10

1. Forms sticky paste that protects an active ulcer (helps heal ulcers)
2. Promotes production of PGE
3. Should not administer at the same time as antacid medications

Question 11

What are the general characteristics of Misoprostol (Cytotec)? (2)

Answer 11

1. synthetic PGE

2. used to treat NSAID overdose