OTC - dyspepsia Flashcards
Dyspepsia symptoms
Abdominal pain above the belly button
(if it is pain below the belly button, it is unlikely to be dyspepsia)
Bloating, belting, flactulence
Early satiety (feeling full too early)
Nausea and vomiting
Heartburn
dyspepsia referral
A - anaemia
L - loss of weight
A - anorexia
R - recently changed or new dyspepsia in over 55 years
M - malaena, haematemesis
Previous gastric ulcer
Regurgitation
Jaundice or severe liver disease
Dyspepsia
Umbrella term, composed of different upper abdominal disorders:
- Indigestion
- GORD
- Gastritis
- Gastric or duodenal ulcers
Difference between peptic ulcers
Gastric ulcers - pain worsened by food, typically 30 minutes after eating
Duodenal ulcers - pain presents when stomach is empty, can even wake you up at night
Dyspepsia treatment
ANTACIDS (rennies, gaviscon)
Potassium salt
Aluminium salt - causes constipation
Magnesium salt - lactating
AlGINATES (gaviscon range)
Also suitable in pregnancy
Gaviscon is a mixture of antacids and alginates
Liquid formulations are the most effective
H2 recetor antagonists
If symptoms persist for more than 4 weeks, must REFER
Dyspepsia vs cardiovascular problems
If dyspepsia is present with pain radiating to the jaw, back and arms, this may indicate a heart attack.
Heart attacks are often confused with heartburn
If pain is made worse by exercise and not relived with antacids, it may be angina
Antacid interactions
Tetracyclines, Quinolones, Bisphosphonates
Interacting drugs should be taken 2 hours before or after an antacid
Also interact with enteric coatings as they cause the stomach acid to become more alkaline, causing the centric coated tablets to break down prematurely
H2 antagonists supply
Should not be supplied over the counter to pregnant or breast-feeding women
Only 14 days supply can be offered at on time. Max use is 4 weeks
Impacts of long term use of PPI’s
Osteoporosis and hyPOmagnesia
