Gastric Ulceration - Drugs that protect the mucosa

Question 1

Give three examples of drugs that protect the mucosa

Answer 1

Sucralfate (a complex of sulphated sucrose and aluminium hydroxide)

Bismuth Chelate

Misoprostol

Question 2

What are the actions of Sucralfate?

Answer 2

Forms a complex gel with mucus to coat the mucosa

Question 3

What are the side effects of Sucralfate?

Answer 3

the aluminium in it causes constipation

Question 4

What are the actions of Bismuth Chelate?

Answer 4

It coats ulcer base
It absorbs pepsin
It enhances prostaglandin synthesis.
It is highly toxic to Helicobacter pylori (present in patients with stomach ulcers

Question 5

How are prostaglandins protective in protecting the mucus?

Answer 5

prostaglandins are protective because they increase HCO3- secretion and reduce HCl production

Question 6

What are the side effects of Bismuth Chelate?

Answer 6

nausea and vomiting

Question 7

What is the effect/mechanism of Misoprostol?

Answer 7

Its a synthetic analogue of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)
It mimics the actions of prostaglandins by acting directly on the parietal cells to reduce acid secretion.
It maintains or increases blood supply
It increase mucus and HCO3- secretion

Question 8

What are the side effects of Misoprostol?

Answer 8

Diarrhoea and nausea

Question 9

Why can Misoprostol not be given to pregnant bitches?

Answer 9

It stimulates contraction of the uterus having the potential to cause abortion

Question 10

What is Misoprostol mainly used for?

Answer 10

It is highly useful in prevention and treatment of ulcers induced by NSAIDs