Chapter 16: Gastrointestinal Drugs Flashcards
Antacids
Agents that neutralize gastric hydrochloric acid.
Antidiarrheal
Medications that reduce the number of loose stools.
Antiemetics
Drugs that prevent or treat nausea, vomiting, or motion sickness.
Antispasmodics
Muscle relaxers that help with abdominal or urinary pain caused by smooth muscle contractions.
Antiflatulents
Medications used in the symptomatic treatment of gastric bloating or GI gas pain.
Antiulcer
Drug that reduces gastric acid secretion or that acts to prevent or treat gastric or duodenal ulcers.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
Vomiting that occurs after the administration of drugs used to treat cancer.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
A backward flow of gastric secretions into the esophagus causing inflammation and discomfort. GERD is treated with drugs to accelerate gastric emptying.
Histamine-2 blockers
Agents that block the histamine receptors found in the stomach to reduce gastric acid secretions.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
The term for a number of chronic, relapsing inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract of unknown etiology.
Laxatives
Drugs that promote evacuation of the intestine.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)
One of the most commonly occurring postoperative complications. During the postoperative period, patients may experience considerable pain, difficulty moving, nausea, and vomiting.
Probiotics
Agents having favorable or health-promoting effect on living cells and tissues.
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Gastric antisecretory agent unrelated to H2 receptor antagonists used for short-term symptomatic relief of GERD, ulcers, heartburn, and erosive esophagitis.
According to the According to the National Institutes of Health, how many people suffer from Digestive Diseases?
60-70 million
What are the 8 categories of Gastrointestinal (GI) drugs?
- Antacids
- Drugs for treatment of ulcers and GERD
- GI antispasmodics
- Agents for inflammatory bowel disease
- Antidiarrheal agents
- Antiflatulents
- Laxatives and cathartics
- Antiemetics
Antacids can also be used as __________ agents in the management of esophageal reflux.
Supplemental
Antacid products may contain…
Aluminum, calcium carbonate, or magnesium (either individually or in combination)
Most Antiacids contain…
Sodium
Why is Sodium Bicarbonate not recommended to take by itself?
Because with prolonged use, it can cause an imbalance of flatulence (gas production), metabolic alkalosis, and electrolytes.
The choice of a specific antacid preparation depends on…
Palatability, cost, adverse effects, acid-neutralizing capacity, sodium content, and the patient’s renal and cardiovascular function.
Generally, antacids have a _______ duration of action, requiring _______________.
Short; frequent administration
Which antacids are the most commonly used?
Magnesium and/or Aluminum
What can be usually used to control the frequency and consistency of bowel movements?
Combinations, such as Maalox, Gelusil, and Mylanta.
Side effects with the frequent use of antacids may include:
- Constipation (with aluminum or calcium carbonate antacids)
- Diarrhea (with magnesium antacids)
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Urinary calculi (stone formation) and renal complications
- Osteoporosis (with aluminum antacids)
- Belching and flatulence (with calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate)
Cautions or contraindications with antacids apply to:
- Heart failure
- Chronic kidney disease or history of renal calculi
- Cirrhosis of the liver or edema
- Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
Antacids can affect the absorption of other medications by…?
Increasing or decreasing absorption/the effectiveness of other drugs
Antacids should not be taken within 2h of administering the following medications [list them] because…
- Anti-infectives, especially tetracyclines, quinolones, and isoniazid
- Digoxin, indomethacin, and iron
- Salicylates and thyroid hormones
- Bisphosphonates (i.e., Actonel, Fosamax)
Because antiacids may decrease the effectiveness of these drugs.
Patients using antacids should be instructed regarding:
- Avoiding prolonged use (no longer than 2 weeks) of OTC antacids without medical supervision because of the danger of masking symptoms of GI bleeding or GI malignancy and causing the stomach to increase excess acid.
- Avoiding the use of antacids at the same time as any other medication because of many interactions (check with a pharmacist or physician concerning clinically important interactions).
- Avoiding the use of antacids entirely or use with caution if the patient has cardiac, renal, or liver disease or fluid retention.
Taking antacids with the following drugs may increase action and precipitate side effects:
- Diazepam, which increases sedation
- Amphetamines and quinidine, which increase cardiac irregularities
- Enteric-coated drugs, which may be released prematurely in the stomach (separate doses from antacids by 2 h)
Patients taking medicines for the management of esophageal reflux should also be instructed regarding:
- Avoidance of constrictive clothing, treatment of obesity (if appropriate)
- Reducing meal size
- Avoiding lying down after meals
- Restriction of alcohol use
- Elimination of smoking
- Elevating the head of the bed during sleep
