Gastrointestinal Drugs and Conditions, Final update, 2024

GERD

A common condition of stomach contents moving up into the esophagus

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Intestinal disorder causing belly pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation

Gastric Ulcer

Open sores on the stomach lining

Pyrosis (Heartburn)

Burning sensation in the chest and esophagus

Duodenal Ulcer

Disruption in the mucosal surface at the level of the stomach or first part of the small intestine

Clostridium Difficile

Inflammation of the colon caused by the bacteria Clostridium difficile

Gastritis

Red and swollen stomach lining

Crohn's Disease

Causes chronic inflammation of the GI tract from stomach to anus

Ulcerative Colitis

Causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract

Constipation

Blocked bowel movements

Gastric Bloating (Flatulence)

Accumulation of gas in the lower digestive system

Nausea

Feeling an urge to vomit

Vomiting (Emesis)

Body's way of getting rid of harmful substances from the stomach

Motion Sickness

Occurs when visual movement differs from inner ear senses; nausea, may vomit

Vertigo

Sensation of self or environment moving or spinning, can happen looking down from high places, can be extreme dizziness

Antacids

Neutralize gastric hydrochloric acid, relieving indigestion and heartburn. Drugs: Tums, Maalox, Mylanta

Anti Ulcer Agent: H2 Blocker

Reduces gastric acid by blocking histamine that causes acid release. Drugs: Tagamet, Pepcid AC, Zantac

Anti Ulcer Agent: Proton Pump

Stops secretion of gastric acid for short term use. Drugs: Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec

Gastric Mucosal Agents: Misoprostol

Stops gastric acid and protects stomach lining for at-risk patients. Drugs: Cytotec

Gastric Mucosal Agents: Sucralfate

Creates a paste that protects stomach lining. Drugs: Carafate

GI Anti-spasmodics

Calms intestines, decreases over movement. Drugs: Bentyl

Agents for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Decreases inflammation of ileum and colon. Drugs: Asacol

Anti-Diarrheal Drugs

Decrease loose stools, protect intestine lining, anti-inflammatory. Drugs: Kaopectate, pepto bismol, imodium

Anti-flatulents

Breaks up gas bubbles in the GI tract. Drugs: Mylicon

Laxatives and Cathartics: Stool Softener

Moistens stools to ease movement. Drugs: Colace

Laxatives and Cathartics: Saline Laxative

Promotes water secretion into intestines to pass blocked stools. Drugs: Milk of Magnesia

Laxatives and Cathartics: Bulk Forming Laxative

Softens stool by absorbing water. Drugs: Metamucil

Anti-emetics

Prevents/treats nausea, vomiting, vertigo, works with inner ear. Drugs: Dramamine, compazine, trans derm patch, zofran