GI Medications Flashcards
Antacids
Reduce acidity in the stomach by reacting with gastric acid. For maximum effect pH should be elevated to 7.5.
Gastric protectants
Reduce acid secretions and/or create a protective stomach barrier.
H-receptor agonists
Suppress secretion of gastric acids, prevent stress ulcers and promote healing.
Use with caution in patients with impaired hepatic and renal function.
Cimetidine
H-receptor agonist. Crosses the blood-brain barrier and can cause confusion.
Interferes with antacids and should be administered at least 1 hour apart.
Increases the affects of warfarin, lidocaine, dilantin and theophylline.
Sucralfate
Gastric protectant. Creates a protective barrier in the stomach agains acid and pepsin.
Interferes with the absorption of warfarin, dilantin, digoxin and some antibiotics.
Administer 2 hours apart from other medications.
Misopropolol (cytotec)
Anti-secretory medication with enhances mucosal defenders. Maintains mucosal blood flow by promoting vasodilation.
Ranitidine
H-receptor agonist. AKA Zantac. Can be oral IV or IM.
Famotidine
H-receptor agonist. AKA Pepsid.
Proton-pump inhibitors
Suppress acid secretion in the stomach but can cause nausea, headache, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Helicobacter pylori infection
Treated with triple or quadruple antibiotic therapy. The aim is to treat the infection and stop acid production in the stomach.
Hepatic encephalopathy
Decline in brain function as a result of severe liver disease. The liver cannot adequately remove toxins in the blood. Treated with lactulose which promotes increased peristalsis and expulsion of ammonia from the colon.
Pancreatic enzyme replacement
Replaces pancreatic enzymes. Should be administered with all meals ands snacks. Includes pancreatin and pancrelipase.
Treatment for IBD
- Antimicrobials - treat infection
- 5-aminosalicylates - reduce GI inflammation
- Corticosteroids - anti-inflammatory
- Immunosuppressants - used in patients not responsive to other treatments (can cause pancreatitis and neutropenia)
- Immunomodulators - modulate the immune response to induce and retain remission
Antimicrobials
Treat infection
5-aminosalicylates
Reduce GI infllamtion
Corticosteriods
Reduce inflammation