From Textbook (Digestive Drugs Vocabulary) - Unit 9: The Digestive System

antacis drugs

Indication: Treat heartburn by neutralizing acid in the stomach. Examples: Maalox, Mylanta, Tums.

antibiotic drugs

Indication: Treat gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria. Helidac is a combination drug only used to treat an infection from Helicobacter pylori. Antibiotic drugs are not effective against viral gastrointestinal infections. Examples: ciprofloxacin (Cipro), Helidac (bismuth, metronidazole, tetracycline), levofloxacin (Levaquin).

antidiarrheal drugs

Indication: Treat diarrhea. They slow peristalsis and this increases water absorption from the feces. Examples: loperamide (Imodium), Lomotil (atropine, diphenoxylate).

antiemetic drugs

Indication: Treat nausea and vomiting and motion sickness. Examples: dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), meclizine (Antivert).

drugs for gallstones

Indication: Dissolve gallstones (instead of surgical removal). Examples: chenodiol (Chenodal), ursodiol (Actigall).

H₂ blocker drugs

Indication: Treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers by blocking H₂ (histamine 2) receptors in the stomach that trigger the release of hydrochloric acid. Examples: cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), xranitidine (Zantac).

laxative drugs

Indication: Treat constipation by softening the stool, adding dietary fiber, or directly stimulating the intestinal mucosa. Examples: docusate (Colace, Dulcolax, Surfak), lubiprostone (Amitiza), psyllium (Fiberall, Metamucil).

proton pump inhibitor drugs

Indication: Treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers by blocking the final step in the production of hydrochloric acid. Examples: esomeprazole (Nexium), omeprazole (Prilosec).