GERD & PUD Flashcards
What is GERD?
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a protective ring of muscle fibers that prevent backflow of gastric contents into esophagus.
- Persons with GERD have reduced LES pressure (muscle tone) where backflow of gastric contents into esophagus can occur
What are symptoms of GERD?
- Heartburn
- Hypersalivation
- Regurgitation
How do you diagnose GERD?
- Based on patient-reported symptoms, frequency (>=2 times per week) and risk factors
- Endoscopy can be performed if a patient has alarm symptoms or concern fore a more serious condition
- Patients who are refractory to GERD treatment may benefit from 24-hr esophageal PH monitoring
List key drugs that can worsen GERD symptoms
- Aspirin/NSAIDs
- Bisphosphonates
- Dabigatran
- Estrogen products
- Fish oil products
- Iron supplements
- Nicotine replacement therapy
- Steroids
- Tetracyclines
What are the treatment principles for GERD?
Infrequent heartburn (< 2 times/week):
* Lifestyle modifications;
- Weight loss (if overweight or recently gained weight) - Elevate the head of the bed with foam wedges or blocks - Avoid eating high fat meals within 2-3 hours of bedtime - Avoid foods/beverages that trigger reflux; caffeine, chocolate, acidic/spicy foods, carbonated beverages
- Antacids and H2RAs (PRN)
Initial drug treatment:
* PPI once daily for 8 weeks; can increase to twice daily If partial response or nocturnal symptoms are present
- There are no major differences in efficacy between the available PPIs
- Stop treatment at 8 weeks; if symptoms return, start maintenance therapy
Maintenance treatment:
* 1st line: PPI at the lowest dose
- Alternative: H2RA, if there is no erosive esophagitis and it relieves symptoms
- Not recommended: metoclopramide or sucralfate
Weight loss has the best evidence for improvement of symptoms
How do antacids work?
- They neutralize gastric acid (producing salt and water), which increases gastric pH
- They provide relief within minutes as they are not systemically absorbed but the duration of relief is short (30-60 minutes)
- Suitable for mild and infrequent symptoms
- Patients using antacids containing aspirin (e.g., Alka-Seltzer) should be made aware of the serious bleeding risk if used too frequently
Antacids - brand/generic
Calcium carbonate (Tums)
* + magnesium (Mylanta Supreme)
* + simethicone (anti-gas) (Maalox Advanced Maximum Strenght)
Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
* + aluminum (Gaviscon, Mag-Al)
* + aluminum + simethicone (Mylanta classic)
Sodium bicarbonate/aspirin/citric acid (Alka-Seltzer)
Antacids - warnings, SEs, dosing
Dosing:
* 4 - 6 times/day
Warnings:
* Aluminum and magnesium can accumulate with severe renal dysfunction
Side Effects:
* Calcium: constipation
* Aluminum: constipation
* Magnesium: loose stools
T/F: Calcium-containing antacids may be preferred in pregnancy
- True
How do H2RAs work?
- They reversibly inhibit H2 receptors on gastric parietal cells, which decreases gastric acid secretion
H2RAs - brand/generic and dosing
Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
* OTC: 10-20 mg 1-2 times daily PRN
- Rx: 20 mg BID (also in injection form)
Ranitidine (Zantac, Ranitidine Acid Reducer)
* OTC: 75-150 mg 1-2 times daily PRN
- Rx: 150 mg BID (also in injection form)
Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
* OTC: 200 mg 1-2 times daily PRN
- Rx: 400 mg Q6H
All Ranitidine products were removed from the market in April 2020
H2RAs - Warnings, SEs
Warnings:
* Confusion, usually reversible (risk factors: elderly, severely ill, renal impairment)
- Decrease dose when CrCl <50 mL/min (famotidine, ranitidine, nizatidine) or CrCl <30 mL/min (cimetidine)
- Avoid cimetidine due to DIs and SEs
- Use caution with CHS depressants (especially in elderly) due to risk of additive delirium, dementia and cognitive impairment
Side Effects:
* Cimetidine (high doses): gynecomastia, impotence
How do PPIs work?
- They irreversibly bind to the gastric H+/K+ -ATPase pump (the proton pump) in parietal cells which blocks gastric acid secretion
- PPIs are the most effective medications for GERD, an 8 week course of treatment is recommended for relief and heal erosions
- If used long-term as maintenance treatment, the lowest effective dose should be used
PPIs - brand/generic, directions to take
Esomeprazole (Nexium)
* Take at least 60 minutes before breakfast
Lansoprazole (Prevacid, Prevacid SoluTab)
* Take before breakfast
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
* Take before breakfast
Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
* Take without regard to meals
Pantoprazole (Protonix)
* Tablet: take without regard to meals
* Oral suspension: take 30 minutes before a meal
PPIs - dosing
Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
* Rx: 30-60 mg daily
Esomeprazole (Nexium, Nexium 24HR, Nexium I.V.)
* OTC: 20 mg daily
- Rx: 20-4- mg daily
+ naproxen (Vimovo)
Lansoprazole (Prevacid, Prevacid SoluTab, Prevacid 24HR)
* OTC: 15 mg daily
- Rx: 15-30 mg daily
Omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC)
* OTC: 20 mg daily
- Rx: 20-40 mg daily
Pantoprazole (Protonix)
* Rx: 40 mg daily
PPIs - Warnings
Warnings:
* C.difficile - associated diarrhea (CDAD)
- Hypomagnesemia
- Vitamin B12 deficiency with prolonged use (>=2 years)
- Osteoporosis-related bone fractures with high-doses or long-term (>=1 year) use
- May diminish the therapeutic effect of clopidogrel, do not use omeprazole and esomeprazole while taking clopidogrel