Drugs acting on the GI tract Flashcards
Main symptoms of dyspepsia (indigestion)
- discomfort or pain in the stomach
- bloating, burping and nausea
- heartburn
Main causes of dyspepsia (indigestion)
Overeating Spicy food alcohol and smoking Pregnancy Ulcers Anxiety/stress
What is an ulcer?
Areas where damage has occurred to the mucosal membrane of the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum
Symptoms of ulcers
Pain
Bleeding
Causes of ulcers
Bacterial infection H pylori NSAIDs Smoking Zollinger-Ellison syndrome Anxiety/stress
Symptoms of Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder (GORD)
Heartburn
Sour mouth - contents of stomach coming back up
Main causes of gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder
Overeating Spicy food alcohol and smoking Pregnancy Certain drugs Ulcers Anxiety/stress
What kind of drugs can be used to treat indigestion, GORD and ulcers?
Antacids
Antisecretory drugs & mucosal protectants
Antibiotics (Ulcers only)
What do you know about antacids?
Act locally to neutralise acid in the stomach and decrease pepsin activity due to less acidic pH.
They contain calcium, aluminium and magnesium salts.
Rennies and Maalox are examples of…
Antacids
What do you know about Simeticone?
Antacid
It alters surface tension of small bubbles of gas to allow formation of large bubbles which can then be got rid of.
What do you know about alginates?
Antacids
They react with gastric juices to form a raft that floats on top and protects oesophagus from stomach contents.
What do you know about H2 receptor antagonists?
They block H2 receptors on parietal cells in stomach
Reduce acid production in stomach.
Treats indigestion and GORD
Cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine and ranitidine are examples of….
H2 receptor antagonists
What do you know about proton pump inhibitors?
Drug names end in “prazole”
Form products that permanently bind to proton pumps so they never pump acid again.