Gastrointestinal Medication

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering antacids, antiulcer drugs, antiemetics, antidiarrheals, and laxatives with key terms and concise definitions.

Antacids

Subclass of antiulcer drugs that neutralize stomach acid (HCl) and reduce pepsin activity to relieve heartburn and indigestion.

Hypernatremia

High sodium level in the blood; a common side effect of sodium-containing antacids like sodium bicarbonate.

Acid rebound

Increased acid production after stopping or overusing antacids; occurs with many antacids when used chronically.

Alpha Seltzer

Brand name for sodium bicarbonate antacid.

Sodium bicarbonate

Antacid that can cause hypernatremia, water retention, metabolic alkalosis, and acid rebound with overuse.

Calcium carbonate

Antacid (brand: Tums); can cause hypercalcemia and acid rebound with excessive use.

Hypercalcemia

Excess calcium in the blood, a potential risk with long-term use of calcium-based antacids.

Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)

Antacid that can cause diarrhea; contraindicated in kidney/renal failure because of magnesium accumulation.

Kidney/renal failure contraindication

Magnesium-based antacids are avoided in patients with reduced kidney function.

Aluminum hydroxide

Antacid commonly associated with constipation.

Sucralfate

Mucosal protectant that coats and protects ulcers; take about 1 hour before meals and at bedtime.

Mucosal protectants

Drugs like sucralfate that form a protective barrier over the gastric mucosa rather than changing acid production.

Misoprostol

Prostaglandin E1 analog used to prevent NSAID-induced ulcers; contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of miscarriage; can induce labor.

Prostaglandin misoprostol (misoprostol)

Protects gastric mucosa and reduces ulcer risk with NSAID use; pregnancy contraindication.

H2 receptor antagonists

Block histamine H2 receptors on gastric parietal cells to reduce acid secretion; end in -tid (e.g., famotidine, ranitidine, nizatidine).

Famotidine

Prototype H2 blocker; reduces gastric acid production; often taken 30 minutes before meals.

Pantoprazole

Prototype proton pump inhibitor (PPI); ends with -prazol; inhibits H+/K+-ATPase to reduce acid production.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

End in -prazol; provide strong suppression of gastric acid by blocking the proton pump; used for GERD and ulcers; long-term use linked to bone fractures.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Chronic reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus; common indication for PPI/H2 blocker therapy.

Lansoprazole

PPI; reduces acid production; used for ulcers, GERD; similar to omeprazole and pantoprazole.

Omeprazole

PPI; reduces gastric acid secretion; common antiulcer medication.

Esomeprazole

PPI; reduces gastric acid production; similar uses to other PPIs.

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

Antidiarrheal with salicylate; not to be given to anyone under 16 due to Reyes syndrome risk.

Reyes syndrome

Rare, serious brain and liver condition linked to salicylate use in children.

Zofran (ondansetron)

Serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonist antiemetic; blocks vomiting pathways in CTZ and vagal nerves.

Dexamethasone

Glucocorticoid with antiemetic effects, often given IV for chemotherapy-induced nausea.

Dronabinol

Cannabinoid antiemetic used for chemotherapy-induced nausea; can cause mood changes and is contraindicated in psychiatric disorders.

Scopolamine

Anticholinergic antiemetic; often as a patch behind the ear for motion sickness; contraindicated in glaucoma.

Hydroxyzine

Antihistamine antiemetic; used for postoperative nausea; can cause dry mouth and drowsiness; contraindicated in glaucoma.

Promethazine

Phenothiazine dopamine antagonist antiemetic; effective for nausea but may cause extrapyramidal symptoms.

EPS (extrapyramidal symptoms)

Involuntary movements or motor disturbances that can occur with dopamine antagonists.

Dopamine antagonists

Anti-nausea drugs that block dopamine receptors (e.g., promethazine); used for chemotherapy and postoperative nausea.

Serotonin antagonists

Block serotonin receptors to prevent nausea (e.g., ondansetron/Zofran).

Antidiarrheals

Drugs that reduce diarrhea; include opiate/opiates, adsorbents, and other agents.

Opiate/opiary-related antidiarrheals

Decrease GI motility by activating opioid receptors; examples include diphenoxylate and loperamide; may cause CNS depression and dependence; atropine is added to deter abuse and is contraindicated in glaucoma.

Diphenoxylate

Opiate antidiarrheal often combined with atropine; slows intestinal movements.

Loperamide

OTC opioid-receptor antidiarrheal (Imodium); reduces stool frequency and liquidity.

Adsorbents

Coat and bind substances in the GI tract to reduce diarrhea; examples include kaolin, pectin, and activated charcoal; can cause tongue/stool discoloration.

Kaolin and pectin

Adsorbents used to treat diarrhea by binding toxins and bacteria.

Activated charcoal

Adsorbent used for toxin/poison exposure and sometimes diarrhea; binds substances in the gut.

Psyllium

Bulk-forming laxative; absorbs water to form bulky stool; must be taken with plenty of fluids to prevent obstruction.

Laxatives

Drugs that facilitate bowel movements; subclasses include osmotic, stimulant, bulk-forming, chloride channel activators, and emollients.

Osmotic laxatives

Draw water into the colon with hyperosmolar salts; examples include lactulose and polyethylene glycol (PEG); can cause fluid/electrolyte imbalances and cramping.

Lactulose

Osmotic laxative that draws water into the bowel; used for constipation and bowel prep.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)

Osmotic laxative used for constipation and bowel prep; often sold as powder.

Stimulant laxatives

Increase peristalsis by irritating intestinal nerves; examples include bisacodyl and senna; may cause cramps and cramping.

Bisacodyl

Stimulant laxative; used for constipation and bowel prep; may cause cramping.

Senna

Stimulant laxative; used for constipation and bowel prep.

Bulk-forming laxatives

Absorb water to increase stool bulk; requires adequate fluid intake; example: psyllium.

Lubiprostone

Chloride channel activator that increases intestinal fluid to treat idiopathic constipation; may cause peripheral edema.

Docusate sodium (Colace)

Stool softener/emollient that lowers surface tension to promote water into stool; used to prevent straining.

Constipation contraindications

Laxatives should be avoided with undiagnosed abdominal pain, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction, or pregnancy; not for long-term use.

BRAT diet

Diet recommendation (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) for mild gastrointestinal upset.