GI medications

Question 1

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Answer 1

Medications: “-prazole” (Omeprazole/Prilosec, pantoprazole/Protonix, esomeorazole/Nexium)
Routes: Oral/IV
Action: attaches to parietal cell proton pumps which blocks secretion of hydrogen, resulting in HCL acid reduction
Uses: GERD, PUD tx/prophylactic, esophagitis, H. Pylori
S/E: –
Notes: take oral form 30-60 min before meals

Question 2

H2 Receptor Blockers

Answer 2

Medications: “-tidine” (famotitidine/Pepcid, ranitidine/Zantac)
Routes: oral/IV
Action: blocks histamine causing parietal cells to decrease HCL acid secretion
Uses: GERD, PUD tx/prophylactic, esophagitis
S/E: –
Notes: take oral form before meals

Question 3

Protectants

Answer 3

Medications: sulcralfate (Carafate)
Routes: oral
Action: forms a protective layer serving as a barrier against stomach acid and enzymes
Uses: PUD
S/E: constipation
Notes: take 1hr before meals and HS

Question 4

Antacids

Answer 4

Medications: magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia), calcium carbonate (Tums), aluminum hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer)
Routes: oral
Action: neutralize stomach HCL acid
Uses: acute s/s relief associated with GERD, PUD, gastritis
Notes: interact with many meds; take after meals and HS

Question 5

Specific antacid S/E

Answer 5

magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia): diarrhea
calcium carbonate (Tums): constipation, kidney stones, renal failure
aluminum hydroxide: constipation
sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer): systemic alkalosis

Question 6

Prokinetic

Answer 6

Medications: Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Routes: IV, oral, injection
Action: promotes movement of substances through the GI tract and increases GI motility
Uses: delayed gastric emptying, GERD, antiemetic
S/E: –
Notes: take before meals