GI Flashcards
What is a peptic ulcer?
A lesion in the stomach (gastric) or small intestine (duodenum)
Name three aggressive factors that contribute to peptic ulcers.
- H. Pylori
- NSAIDs
- Acid
- Smoking
List four defensive factors that protect against ulcers.
- Mucus
- Bicarbonate
- Blood flow
- Prostaglandins
Which antibiotic is used to eradicate Helicobacter pylori?
- Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
- Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
- Metronidazole (Flagyl)
What is the action of antacids?
Neutralize stomach acid
List three types of antacids.
- Aluminum hydroxide (Amphogel)
- Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
- Calcium carbonate (Tums)
What is a combination antacid containing aluminum and magnesium?
Maalox
What are the side effects of magnesium-based antacids?
- Diarrhea
- Hypermagnesemia
- Dangerous in renal failure
What are the side effects of aluminum-based antacids?
- Constipation
- Hypophosphatemia
What are the side effects of calcium-based antacids?
- Constipation
- Hypercalcemia
- Gas and belching
- Kidney stones
True or False: Antacids may bind other drugs.
True
Name a histamine H2 receptor antagonist medication.
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Ranitidine (Zantac)
- Famotidine (Pepcid)
What is the action of histamine H2 receptor antagonists?
Inhibit histamine action at H2 sites in parietal cells, reducing stomach acid
List two side effects of histamine H2 receptor antagonists.
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Headache
What is the action of proton-pump inhibitors?
Inhibit acid production by blocking final step of acid production in parietal cells
Name a proton-pump inhibitor medication.
- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
- Pantoprazole (Protonix)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
List two side effects of proton-pump inhibitors.
- Diarrhea
- Headache
What is the action of mucosal protectant drugs?
Coats the ulcer protecting it against acid and promotes healing
What is a common mucosal protectant drug?
Sucralfate (Carafate)
What are anti-emetics used for?
Treat or prevent nausea and vomiting
Name a serotonin (5HT) antagonist used as an anti-emetic.
Ondansetron (Zofran)
What is the action of dopamine antagonists in anti-emetics?
Blocks dopamine from receptor sites in the brain and CTZ
List three medications that are dopamine antagonists.
- Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
- Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
- Promethazine (Phenergan)
What is the action of antihistamines as anti-emetics?
Block the action of acetylcholine and histamine
Name an anti-emetic antihistamine.
- Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
- Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
- Meclizine (Antivert)
What is the action of prokinetic anti-emetics?
Increases release of acetylcholine, increasing GI motility and gastric emptying
What is a common prokinetic medication?
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Define laxatives.
Drugs that promote evacuation of bowel or defecation
What are the indications for fiber supplement laxatives?
- Prevent constipation
- Symptomatic relief of diarrhea
What is the action of stool softeners?
Softens stool by facilitating penetration of water
Name a stimulant laxative.
- Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
- Castor oil (Emulsoil)
- Senna
What is the action of osmotic laxatives?
Retains water and softens feces; promotes peristalsis
What are the three groups of laxatives classified by therapeutic response?
- Group 1: Produce watery stool in 2-6 hours
- Group 2: Produce semifluid stool in 6-12 hours
- Group 3: Produce soft stool in 1-3 days
True or False: All laxatives can cause electrolyte imbalances.
True
