GI Meds

20 something fucking meds that you need to fucking know

Phentermine

A stimulant used for short-term weight loss that suppresses appetite by increasing norepinephrine, but can cause increased heart rate, hypertension, insomnia, and should be taken in the morning with BP monitoring.

Orlistat

A lipase inhibitor used for obesity that blocks fat absorption, causing fatty stools and requiring vitamin A, D, E, K supplementation when taken with meals.

Aluminum/Magnesium/Simethicone

An antacid that neutralizes stomach acid for GERD but may cause constipation or diarrhea and should be separated from other medications by 2 hours.

Cimetidine

An H2 blocker that reduces stomach acid for GERD and ulcers but has many drug interactions due to CYP450 inhibition and can cause confusion in older adults.

Omeprazole

A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid production, used for GERD and preventing stomach ulcers. It should be taken before meals for optimal effectiveness.

Sucralfate

A mucosal protectant that coats ulcers to promote healing but must be taken on an empty stomach and separated from other medications.

Misoprostol

A prostaglandin analog used to prevent NSAID-induced ulcers that increases mucus but is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of abortion.

Amoxicillin

A penicillin antibiotic that treats infections by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis but requires monitoring for allergic reactions.

Clarithromycin

An antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, particularly respiratory tract infections, by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.

Ciprofloxacin

An antibiotic that treats bacterial infections by inhibiting DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, effective against a broad range of Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria.

Nystatin

An antifungal used for oral candidiasis that disrupts fungal cell membranes and should be swished and swallowed until symptoms fully resolve.

Ondansetron

A 5-HT3 antagonist used to prevent nausea and vomiting that blocks serotonin but may cause QT prolongation and headache.

Prochlorperazine

A dopamine antagonist antiemetic used for nausea that can cause sedation, hypotension, and extrapyramidal symptoms like dystonia.

Phenothiazines

A class of antiemetics that block dopamine to reduce nausea but commonly cause sedation, anticholinergic effects, and EPS.

Mineral Oil

A lubricant laxative used for constipation that softens stool but should be avoided long-term due to vitamin deficiency and aspiration risk.

Psyllium

A bulk-forming laxative that increases stool mass to treat constipation but must be taken with plenty of water to prevent obstruction.

Lactulose

An osmotic laxative that treats constipation and hepatic encephalopathy by lowering ammonia levels, with a goal of 2–3 soft stools daily.

Diphenoxylate with Atropine

An antidiarrheal that slows GI motility but can cause CNS depression and should not be used in infectious diarrhea.

Bismuth Subsalicylate

An antidiarrheal with antimicrobial effects that can darken stool and tongue and should be avoided in children due to Reye’s syndrome risk.

Pancreatic Enzymes

Enzyme replacements that aid digestion in pancreatic insufficiency and must be taken with meals to improve nutrient absorption.

Cholestyramine

A bile acid sequestrant that treats diarrhea and lowers cholesterol but must be spaced from other medications due to binding effects.

Octreotide

A somatostatin analog used for GI bleeding and severe diarrhea that reduces hormone secretion and requires blood glucose monitoring.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs used in IBD that increase infection risk and must not be stopped abruptly.