gastrointestinal drugs

bulimia

eating disorder where a person overeats, then forces themself to get rid of it

BRAT

(bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) bland diet to help with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

diarrhea

frequent, loose, or watery poops

constipation

difficulty pooping

emesis and emetic

emesis is vomiting, emetic is something that causes vomiting

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and heartburn

gastrointestinal (GI) tract

body system that digests food, absorbs nutrients, and removes waste

helicobacter pylori

bacteria that can infect the stomach and cause ulcers

laxative

substance or drug that helps relieve constipation

motion sickness

nausea and dizziness caused by movement

nausea

the feeling that you are about to vomit

parietal cell

a cell in the stomach that produces stomach acid

peptic ulcer

an open sore in the lining of the stomach or upper intestine, caused by bacteria or NSAID overuse

stomach acid

strong acid in the stomach that helps break down food and kill bacteria

vomiting

forceful release of stomach contents through the mouth

amoxicilin

antibiotic to treat H. Pylori ulcers

bisacodyl (dulcolax)

laxative that stimulates bowel movements

bismuth subsalicylate (pepto-bismol)

treats diarrhea and upset stomach

cimetidine (tagamet)

reduces stomach acid (H2 blocker)

dronabinol (THC, marinol)

helps with nausea and increases appetite

dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)

prevents motion sickness and nausea

famotidine (pepcid)

reduces stomach acid (H2 blocker)

loperamide (Imodium)

slows diarrhea

psyllium colloid (metamucil)

fiber laxative that helps with constipation

omeprazole (Prilosec)

strong acid reducer

ranitidine (zantac)

reduces stomach acid (H2 blocker)

TUMS

antacid that neutralizes stomach acid

what is the main function of the GI tract?

to take food in, digest it, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste

what organs are part of the GI tract?

esophagus, stomach, intestines

how is stomach acid produced?

histamine activates H2 receptors are parietal cells

why is stomach acid important?

it helps break down food and kill bacteria

what causes GERD?

weak or relaxed esophageal sphincter allowing acid to flow back into the esophagus

what damage can GERD cause over time?

inflammation, erosion of the esophagus, and bleeding

what are non-drug treatments for GERD?

avoid trigger foods and reduce/avoid NSAIDs

what causes peptic ulcers?

H. Pylori infection or overuse of NSAIDs

where do peptic ulcers occur?

in the stomach or upper intestine lining

how can peptic ulcers be treated without medication?

avoid NSAIDs and irritating foods

what is the difference between nausea and vomiting?

nausea is the feeling of needing to vomit, vomiting is actually throwing up

how can mild nausea and vomiting be treated without drugs?

BRAT diet and removing the cause

when is medication needed for nausea and vomiting?

when it is severe or caused by motion sickness, chemotherapy, or surgery

what is a common non-drug treatment for diarrhea?

diet changes and staying hydrated

what is a common non-drug treatment for constipation?

increasing fiber and fluids

how are diarrhea and constipation treated if severe?

with medications (antidiarrheals or laxatives)

how is bulimia related to GI Pharmacology?

people misuse drugs (like laxatives) to lose weight

why is laxative abuse dangerous in bulimia?

it can harm the digestive system and disrupt normal bowel function

what role do H2 blockers play in treatment?

they reduce stomach acid production

what role do proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) play?

they strongly block acid production at the pump level

what is the general goal of GI drugs?

to reduce symptoms, treat causes, and restore normal digestion