57
Drugs affecting
gastrointestinal secretions
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to:
1.
Describe the current theories on the pathophysiological process responsible for the signs and symptoms
of peptic ulcer disease.
2.
Describe the therapeutic actions, indications, pharmacokinetics, contraindications and cautions, most
common adverse reactions and important drug–drug interactions associated with drugs used to affect
gastrointestinal (GI) secretions.
3.
Discuss the drugs used to affect GI secretions across the lifespan.
4.
Compare and contrast the prototype drugs used to affect GI secretions with other agents in their class and
with other classes of drugs used to affect GI secretions.
5.
Outline the care considerations, including important teaching points, for people receiving drugs used to
affect GI secretions.
Glossary of key terms
acid rebound:
reflex response of the stomach to lower-than-normal acid levels; when acid levels are lowered through the use of
antacids, gastrin production and secretion are increased to return the stomach to its normal acidity
antacids:
a group of inorganic chemicals that neutralise stomach acid
digestive enzymes:
enzymes produced in the gastrointestinal tract to break down foods into usable nutrients
GI protectant:
drug that coats any injured area in the stomach to prevent further injury from acid or pepsin
histamine-2 (H
2
) antagonist:
drug that blocks the H
2
receptor sites; used to decrease acid production in the stomach (H
2
sites are
stimulated to cause the release of acid in response to gastrin or parasympathetic stimulation)
peptic ulcer:
erosion of the lining of stomach or duodenum; results from imbalance between acid produced and the mucus protection
of the GI lining or possibly from infection by
Helicobacter pylori
bacteria
prostaglandin:
any one of numerous tissue hormones that have local effects on various systems and organs of the body, including
vasoconstriction, vasodilation, increased or decreased GI activity, and increased or decreased pancreatic enzyme release
proton pump inhibitor:
drug that blocks the H
+
, K
+
-ATPase enzyme system on the secretory surface of the gastric parietal cells, thus
interfering with the final step of acid production and lowering acid levels in the stomach
Test your current knowledge of drugs affecting gastrointestinal secretions with a PrepU Practice Quiz!
DRUGS USED TO TREAT
GASTRO-OESOPHAGEAL
REFLUX DISEASE AND ULCER
DISEASE
Histamine-2 antagonists
cimetidine
famotidine
nizatidine
ranitidine
Antacids
aluminium salts
calcium salts
magnesium salts
sodium bicarbonate
Proton pump inhibitors
esomeprazole
lansoprazole
omeprazole
pantoprazole
rabeprazole
GI protectant
sucralfate
Prostaglandin
misoprostol
DRUGS USED TO TREAT
DIGESTIVE ENZYME
DYSFUNCTION
pancrelipase
