Gastrointestinal Medications and Treatments

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to gastrointestinal medications and treatments, enhancing understanding of the subject matter and aiding in exam preparation.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

A condition characterized by open sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.

H2 Antagonists

Medications that block histamine receptors in stomach cells to reduce acid production.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Drugs that inhibit acid production in the stomach.

Mucosal Protectants

Medications that adhere to ulcers and protect them from further damage.

Antacids

Substances that neutralize stomach acidity.

Prostaglandin E Analogs

Medications that decrease acid secretion and promote protective mucus secretion.

Cimetidine

An H2 antagonist used to treat peptic ulcer disease.

Omeprazole

A proton pump inhibitor used to treat GERD and ulcers.

Sucralfate

A mucosal protectant used to treat and prevent duodenal ulcers.

Aluminum Hydroxide

An antacid that neutralizes stomach acid.

Misoprostol

A prostaglandin E analog that protects the stomach lining.

Clarithromycin

An antibiotic commonly used in combination therapy for H. pylori.

H. pylori

Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can cause stomach ulcers.

Triple Therapy for H. pylori

Combination of 2 antibiotics and a PPI to eradicate H. pylori.

Ondansetron

A serotonin antagonist used to treat nausea and vomiting.

Metoclopramide

A dopamine antagonist used to treat GERD and nausea.

Dronabinol

A cannabinoid used for nausea and appetite stimulation.

Scopolamine

An anticholinergic used to prevent motion sickness.

Dimenhydrinate

An antihistamine used for motion sickness.

Lorazepam

A benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and nausea.

Hypomagnesemia

Low magnesium levels, a risk from long-term PPI use.

Proton Pump Inhibitor mechanism

Inhibits the stomach's acid production mechanism.

Dyspepsia

Discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

A chronic digestive condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

Adverse Effects of H2 Blockers

Gynecomastia, low libido, impotence, increased risk of GI infections.

Lactation considerations with PPIs

Pantoprazole is contraindicated; weigh risks of omeprazole.

Mucosal Protectant mechanism

Adheres to an ulcer and protects it from acid and pepsin.

Antacid effects

Reduce gastric acid's acidity and relieve symptoms of heartburn.

Electrolyte imbalances with antacids

Risks of hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia from antacid use.

Prostaglandin E Analog effects

Increases bicarbonate secretion and mucosal blood flow.

Diarrhea from Prostaglandin E Analog

Common side effect that should resolve within 1 week.

Treatment for IBS-D

Includes anticholinergics like Alosetron and Dicyclomine.

Treatment for IBS-C

Lubiprostone, which increases water in the gut.

Probiotics

Used to treat symptoms of IBS, colitis, and rotavirus.

Simethicone

An antiflatulent used to reduce gas and bloating.

Iron Preparations

Given for iron-deficiency anemia, often in oral or IM form.

Vitamin B12

Essential for RBC formation and neurological function.

Folic Acid

Important for DNA production and prevention of neural tube defects.

Potassium Chloride

Used to replace potassium loss and requires monitoring.

Potassium Chloride precautions

Must be diluted and monitored during administration.

Magnesium Sulfate

Induces muscle relaxation and is used for preterm labor.

Anticholinergics for bladder issues

Oxybutynin and Tolterodine used to treat overactive bladder.

Cholinergics for urinary retention

Bethanechol, which relaxes sphincters to treat urinary issues.

Nursing Considerations for medications

Monitor for signs of adverse effects and patient safety.

Drug interactions with PPIs

Can alter levels of medications dependent on gastric pH.

Complications of Laxatives

Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and constipation risks.

Antiemetic adverse effects

Commonly causes drowsiness and requires patient safety considerations.

Nursing assessments for medications

Evaluate fluid and electrolyte balance, particularly with opioids.

Nutritional considerations with medications

Educate about food interactions and timing with drug administration.

Education for elderly patients

Ensure understanding of medication use and side effect monitoring.

Long-term use monitoring

Required for medications affecting GI and electrolyte balance.

Prostaglandin E for NSAID ulcers

Prevents gastric ulcers in patients taking long-term NSAIDs.

Oxybutynin effects

Relaxes bladder smooth muscle while contracting internal sphincter.

Antidiarrheal mechanism

Activates opioid receptors to decrease bowel motility.

Fluid balance considerations with diarrhea

Essential for patient hydration and prevention of complications.

Medications for nausea during chemotherapy

Dronabinol and glucocorticoids commonly used.

Combination therapy for H. pylori

Utilizes multiple medications to prevent bacterial resistance.

Gastrointestinal system overview

Involves various medications targeting acid production and GI motility.

Loperamide

An antidiarrheal that slows peristalsis and absorbs excess fluid.

Magnesium Citrate

Used for bowel prep; can induce diarrhea.

Goal of H. pylori treatment

Complete eradication of bacteria to prevent ulcer recurrence.

Antiemetic monitoring

Prolonged QT interval can lead to dysrhythmias.

C. difficile complications

Associated with prolonged use of PPIs leading to gut infections.

Urinary retention treatment

Cholinergics like Bethanechol are effective.

Potential risks of long-term NSAIDs

Increased risk of gastric ulcers requiring prophylaxis.

Calcium and Vitamin D with PPIs

Supplementation may be necessary due to absorption issues.

Dietary considerations with iron therapy

Take on empty stomach and with Vitamin C for absorption.

GI side effects of antibiotics

Monitor for diarrhea and signs of superinfection.

Monitoring potassium levels

Essential during administration of potassium chloride.

Education on electrolyte balance

Discuss risks and hydration needs with patients on laxatives.

Beta blockers and H2 antagonists interaction

May increase uncontrolled gastric acid production.

Goal of laxatives

Promote bowel elimination and prevent constipation.

Safety considerations with anticholinergics

Monitor for urinary retention and gastrointestinal side effects.