GI

H. pylori combination therapy: Why is it used?

To get rid of H. pylori bacteria, which can cause stomach ulcers.

H. pylori combination therapy: How does it work?

Uses multiple medications together: a PPI lowers stomach acid, and antibiotics kill the bacteria. Bismuth may also be added to protect the stomach lining and fight bacteria.

H. pylori combination therapy: Why use multiple medications?

Using different medications together helps kill the bacteria more effectively and lowers the chance of treatment failure.

H. pylori combination therapy: Important teaching

Finish the entire course, even if symptoms improve.

Famotidine: Why is it used?

Treats GERD, heartburn, and stomach ulcers when there is too much stomach acid.

Famotidine: How does it work?

Blocks histamine H2 receptors in the stomach. This tells the stomach to make less acid.

Famotidine: When would you choose it?

When you want to decrease stomach acid and relieve heartburn or help ulcers heal.

Famotidine: Common side effects

Headache, dizziness, constipation, or diarrhea.

Lactulose: Why is it used?

Used for constipation and to lower high ammonia levels in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.

Lactulose: How does it work for constipation?

Pulls water into the colon, making stool softer and easier to pass.

Lactulose: How does it work for high ammonia?

Makes the colon more acidic, which traps ammonia in the intestines so it can leave the body through stool instead of entering the blood.

Lactulose: Why is it used for hepatic encephalopathy?

High ammonia can affect the brain and cause confusion or changes in mental status. Lactulose helps remove ammonia.

Lactulose: What tells you it is working for hepatic encephalopathy?

Improved mental status, lower ammonia levels, and usually 3–4 stools per day.

Lactulose: Common side effects

Diarrhea, gas, nausea, and stomach cramps.

Omeprazole and other -prazoles: Why are they used?

Treat GERD, frequent heartburn, and stomach or intestinal ulcers.

Omeprazole and other -prazoles: How do they work?

Block the proton pumps in stomach cells. Proton pumps are responsible for releasing acid, so blocking them greatly decreases stomach acid.

Omeprazole: How is it different from famotidine?

Omeprazole blocks the final step of acid production, while famotidine blocks H2 receptors that stimulate acid production.

Omeprazole: When would you choose it?

When stronger or longer-lasting acid reduction is needed, such as for GERD or ulcers.

Omeprazole: Important long-term concern

Long-term use can contribute to low magnesium and vitamin B12 levels.

Simethicone: Why is it used?

Relieves gas, bloating, and pressure caused by gas bubbles.

Simethicone: How does it work?

Breaks up small gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines so they combine into larger bubbles that are easier to pass.

Simethicone: Does it decrease stomach acid?

No. It treats gas, not stomach acid.

Calcium carbonate: Why is it used?

Relieves heartburn and indigestion; can also be used as a calcium supplement.

Calcium carbonate: How does it work as an antacid?

Neutralizes stomach acid, making the stomach contents less acidic.

Calcium carbonate: When would you choose it?

For quick relief of occasional heartburn or indigestion.

Calcium carbonate: Common side effect

Constipation. Taking too much can cause high calcium levels.

Psyllium: Why is it used?

Helps with constipation, promotes bowel movements, and helps regulate stool consistency.

Psyllium: What type of laxative is it?

Bulk-forming laxative.

Psyllium: How does it work?

Absorbs water in the intestines and swells, creating a larger, softer stool that stimulates the intestines to move.

Psyllium: Why can it help with diarrhea too?

It absorbs extra water and helps make loose stool more formed.

Psyllium: Important teaching

Must be taken with at least 8 oz of water to prevent the fiber from swelling and causing a blockage.

Psyllium: Common side effects

Gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort.

Diphenoxylate/atropine: Why is it used?

Treats diarrhea by slowing down intestinal movement.

Diphenoxylate/atropine: How does it work?

Diphenoxylate slows intestinal movement, giving the intestines more time to absorb water. Atropine is added to discourage misuse.

Diphenoxylate/atropine: What happens when intestinal movement slows?

Stool stays in the intestines longer, more water is absorbed, and bowel movements become less frequent and less watery.

Diphenoxylate/atropine: Common side effects

Constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Imodium (loperamide): Why is it used?

Treats diarrhea and decreases the number of loose bowel movements.

Imodium (loperamide): How does it work?

Slows intestinal movement so more water and electrolytes can be absorbed from the stool.

Imodium: How is it similar to diphenoxylate/atropine?

Both slow intestinal movement to decrease diarrhea.

Imodium: Important safety teaching

Do not use it to treat bloody diarrhea or diarrhea with a high fever without medical advice. Follow package directions; excessive doses can cause serious heart rhythm problems.

Sulfasalazine: Why is it used?

Treats inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis. It may also be used for Crohn's disease.

Sulfasalazine: What type of medication is it?

An anti-inflammatory medication called an aminosalicylate.

Sulfasalazine: How does it work?

Decreases inflammation in the intestines by blocking chemicals that cause inflammation.

Sulfasalazine: What does it help with?

Reduces intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, and other symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Sulfasalazine: Does it cure IBD?

No. It helps control inflammation and symptoms but does not cure the disease.

Sulfasalazine: Important monitoring

CBC and liver function tests because it can affect blood cells and the liver.

Sulfasalazine: Serious side effects to report

Fever, sore throat, rash, unusual bruising or bleeding, or yellow skin/eyes.

Ondansetron: Why is it used?

Prevents and treats nausea and vomiting.

Ondansetron: What type of medication is it?

An antiemetic (anti-nausea medication).

Ondansetron: How does it work?

Blocks serotonin 5-HT3 receptors that trigger the vomiting reflex.

Ondansetron: When would you choose it?

When a patient has nausea or vomiting, including nausea related to surgery or certain treatments.

Ondansetron: Important side effects

Headache, constipation, and QT prolongation (a potentially dangerous heart rhythm change).

Probiotics: Why are they used?

Help restore or maintain healthy bacteria in the intestines, especially when the normal balance of bacteria is disrupted.

Probiotics: How do they work?

Add helpful microorganisms to the gut, helping balance intestinal bacteria and support normal digestion.

Probiotics: When might they be used?

To support gut health, including in some cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Probiotics: Common side effects

Gas and bloating.

Aluminum-based antacids: Why are they used?

Relieve heartburn and indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid.

Aluminum-based antacids: How do they work?

React with and neutralize stomach acid, making it less acidic.

Aluminum-based antacids: Common side effect

Constipation.

Magnesium-based antacids: Why are they used?

Relieve heartburn and indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid.

Magnesium-based antacids: How do they work?

React with and neutralize stomach acid, making it less acidic.

Magnesium-based antacids: Common side effect

Diarrhea.

Aluminum vs. magnesium antacids: What is the difference?

Aluminum tends to cause constipation, while magnesium tends to cause diarrhea.

Sucralfate: Why is it used?

Treats duodenal ulcers by protecting the ulcer while it heals.

Sucralfate: How does it work?

Forms a protective coating over the ulcer, creating a barrier between the damaged area and stomach acid.

Sucralfate: Does it decrease stomach acid?

No. It protects the ulcer from acid instead of reducing acid production.

Sucralfate: When would you choose it?

When you want to protect an existing ulcer and allow it to heal.

Sucralfate: Important teaching

Take on an empty stomach, usually 1 hour before meals.

Hypokalemia: Why is potassium important?

Potassium helps nerves, muscles, and the heart work properly.

Hypokalemia: What happens when potassium is low?

Muscles and nerves do not work normally, which can cause weakness, cramps, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Hypokalemia: ECG changes

Flattened T waves and U waves.

Hypokalemia: Why would potassium be replaced?

To bring potassium back to normal and prevent muscle problems and dangerous heart rhythms.

Hyperkalemia: Why is high potassium dangerous?

Too much potassium can interfere with the heart's electrical signals and cause dangerous heart rhythms.

Hyperkalemia: Common causes

Kidney problems, certain medications, or too much potassium.

Hyperkalemia: ECG changes

Peaked T waves; severe cases can cause a widened QRS.

Hyperkalemia: Why would it be treated?

To lower potassium and protect the heart from dangerous rhythm changes.