Module 2 GI Medications Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering gastrointestinal medications, peptic ulcer treatments, antiemetics, laxatives, prokinetic agents, and antidiarrheals.

Peptic Ulcers

Open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine.

Gastric Ulcers

Peptic ulcers that occur specifically on the inside of the stomach.

Duodenal Ulcers

Peptic ulcers that occur on the inside of the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenum).

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

A bacterium infection that serves as a common cause of peptic ulcer disease.

Cimetidine

A histamine receptor antagonist that changes how the body metabolizes certain medications, causing increased levels of drugs like warfarin and phenytoin.

Omeprazole

A proton pump inhibitor that blocks acid production by inhibiting the enzyme that produces gastric acid, where long-term use can decrease calcium absorption leading to osteoporosis and fractures.

Sucralfate

A mucosal protectant used for duodenal ulcers that is changed by stomach acid into a protective barrier covering the ulcer.

Aluminum Hydroxide

An antacid that neutralizes acidity, causing side effects such as constipation and low phosphate levels.

Magnesium Hydroxide (MOM)

An antacid that neutralizes acidity, causing diarrhea and high magnesium levels; it should be avoided if renal function is impaired.

Calcium Carbonate (Tums)

An antacid that neutralizes stomach acidity, causing complications such as constipation and high calcium levels.

Misoprostol

A Prostaglandin E analog given to decrease acid secretion and increase bicarbonate and protective mucus for clients taking long-term NSAIDs, classified under Pregnancy Category X.

Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone

An area of the medulla oblongata that communicates with other structures in the vomiting center to initiate vomiting.

Serotonin Receptor Antagonist Antiemetics

Antiemetic medications that block serotonin receptors traveling from the upper GI to the chemoreceptor trigger zone to prevent nausea caused by chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or pregnancy.

Prochlorperazine

An antiemetic medication that blocks dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone to prevent emesis related to chemotherapy and post-operative states.

Extrapyramidal Symptoms

Adverse effects such as restlessness and anxiety associated with dopamine receptor blockers like prochlorperazine, which require stopping the medication, informing the provider, and treating with diphenhydramine if needed.

Psyllium

A non-digestible bulk-forming laxative that absorbs water from the intestine to form a glutinous mass, increasing wall stretch and stimulating peristalsis while softening and enlarging fecal mass.

Docusate Sodium

A laxative that lowers surface tension of the stool to allow penetration of water, softening the stool so that it can be passed more easily.

Bisacodyl and Senna

Laxatives that stimulate peristalsis and decrease fluid absorption through the intestinal wall, commonly used for surgical or procedure prep like colonoscopies.

Lactulose

A laxative that draws water into the intestine to increase stool mass and stretch musculature, resulting in peristalsis; can cause dehydration, requiring increased fluid intake.

Metoclopromide

A prokinetic medication that increases upper GI motility (stomach and intestines) and peristalsis, used for GERD, diabetic gastroparesis, paralytic ileus, and chemotherapy/post-operative nausea.

Loperamide

An antidiarrheal that activates opioid receptors in the GI tract to decrease intestinal motility and increase absorption of fluid and sodium in the intestine.