GI Flashcards
Types of Acid-Controllling Drugs
Antacids
Histamine-2 (H2) antagonists
PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors)
Acid-Related Diseases
Acid-realted diseases are caused by an imbalance of the three cells (parietal cells, Chief cells, Mucous cells) of the gastric gland and their secretions
Most common disease is hyperacidity
Lay terms for overproduction of HCl by the parietal cells include: Indigestion, sour stomach, heartburn, acid stomach
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease:
Known as heartburn
Symptoms: burning, bloating, belching, regurgitation
Reflux of gastric secretions such as pepsin and hydrochloric acid into the esophagus
PUD
Peptic Ulcer Disease:
Several stomach disorders - commonly gastric and duodenal ulcers
Symptoms: burning, gnawing, aching
H. Pylori
Helicobacter pylori:
Bacterium found in GI tract of 90% of patients with duodenal ulcers and 70% of those with gastric ulcers (can be detected by serum antibody tests)
Antibiotics are used to eradicate H. pylori
Antacids: Mechanism of Action
Neutralize stomach acid
Promote gastric mucosal defence mechanisms. Secretion of: Mucus (protective barrier against HCl); Bicarbonate (helps buffer acidic properties of HCl); Prostaglandins (prevent activation of proton pump)
Antacids do neutralize the acid once it’s in the stomach but do not prevent the overproduction of acid
Antacids: Drug Effects
Reduce pain associated with acid-realted disorders
Raising gastric pH only 0.3 points neutralizes 50% of the gastric acid
Raising gastric pH one point neutralizes 90% of the gastric acid
Reducing acidity reduces pain
Antacids: Aluminum Salts
Have constipating effects
Are often used with magnesium to counteract constipation
Are often recommended for patients with renal disease (more easily excreted)
Include: Aluminum hydroxide salt (Almagel [with Mg hydroxide]); Combination products (aluminum and magnesium): Maalox, Mylanta
Antacids: Magnesium Salts
Commonly cause diarrhea; usually used with other drugs to counteract this effect Are dangerous when used in patients with renal failure - the failing kidney cannot excrete extra magnesium, resulting in accumulation Examples: - Carbonate salt: Magmix - Hydroxide salt: milk of magnesia - Oxide salt: Magnesium oxide - Trisillicate salt: Gasulsol Tablets - Combination product: Calmax, Maalox
Antacids: Calcium Salts
Come in many forms, but carbonate is most common
May cause constipation, kidney stones
Are not recommended for patients with renal disease - may accumulate to toxic levels
May cause increased gastric acid secretion (rebound hyperacidity)
Are often advertised as an extra source of dietary calcium (Tums)
Antacids” Calcium Salts
Used to prevent or treat calcium deficiency (calcium acetate, calcium liquid, and calcium carbonate)
Used in patients with kidney failure to bind dietary phosphate and reduce the amount of phosphorus absorbed from food (aluminum hydroxide, calcium acetate, calcium carbonate, calcium liquid, and sevalamer [Renagel])
Antacids: Sodium Bicarbonate
Highly soluble Buffers the acidic properties of HCl Has a quick onset but short duration May cause metabolic alkalosis May cause problems in patients with heart failure, hypertension, or renal insufficiency because of high sodium content
Antacids and Antiflatulents
Antiflatulents are used to relieve he painful symptoms associated with gas
Several drugs are used to bind or alter intestinal gas and are often added to antacid combination products
Antacids and Antiflatulents
OTC Antiflatulents
Simethicone (Oval Drops, Pediacol, Phazyme)
Alters elasticity of mucus-coated bubbles, causing them to break
Is used often to reduce the discomforts of gastric or intestinal gas, but there is limited data to support its effectiveness
Results in decreased gas pain and increased expulsion via mouth or rectum
Antacids: Contraindications
Known drug allergy
Severe kidney failure or electrolyte disturbance (because of the potential toxic accumulation of electrolytes in the antacids themselves)
GI obstruction (PT presents with and. pain; no antacids)
Antacids: Adverse Effects
Adverse effects are minimal and depen on the compound used
Aluminum and calcium : Constipation
Magnesium: Diarrhea
Calcium Carbonate: Produces gas and belching; combining it with simethicone reduces discomfort
Antacids: Drug Interactions
Adsorption of other drugs to antacids: Reduces the ability of the other drug to be absorbed into the body
Chelation (chemical binding, or inactivation, of another drug): Produces absorption of basic drugs; Decreased absorption of acidic drugs
Increased urinary pH: Increased excretion of acidic drugs; Decreased excretion of basic drugs
Antacids: Nursing Implications
Assess for allergies and pre-existing conditions that may restrict the use of antacids, such as: Fluid imbalances, pregnancy, renal disease, GI obstruction, heart failure (Patients with heart failure or hypertension should not use antacids with a high sodium content)
Antacids: Nursing Implications
Use with caution with other medications due to the many drug interactions
Most medications should be given 1-2 hours after giving an antacid
Antacids may cause premature dissolving of enteric-coated medications, resulting in stomach upset
Antacids: Nursing Implications
Be sure that chewable tablets are chewed thoroughly and that liquid forms are shaken well before giving
Administer with at least 240 ml of water to enhance absorption (except in the case of rapid-dissolve forms)
Long-term self-medication with antacids may mask symptoms of serious underlying diseases, such as cancer or bleeding ulcers
If symptoms remain ongoing, patient should seek medical evaluation
Antacids: Nursing Implications
Monitor for adverse effects: N/V, abdominal pain, diarrhea; With calcium-containing products constipation, acid rebound
Monitor for therapeutic response: Notify health care provider if symptoms are not relieved
Histamine-2 (H2) Antagonists
Reduce acid secretion
Are available OTC in lower dosage forms
Are the most popular drugs for treatment of acid-related disorders: Cimetidine, Famotidine (Pepcid), Nizatidine (Axid), Ranitidine (Zantac)
H2 Antagoonists: Mechanism of Action and Drug Effects
Block histamine at the H2 receptors of acid-producing parietal cells
Reduce production of hydrogen ions, resulting in decreased production of HCl
Suppresses acid secretion in the stomach
H2 Antagonists: Indications
GERD
PUD
Erosive esophagitis
Adjunct therapy in control of upper GI bleeding
Pathological gastric hypersecratory conditions