Antacids and Stomach pH

Antacids and Gastric Oesophageal Reflux Disorder (GORD)

• Antacids work by buffering the acidic environment in the stomach, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with GORD.
• When someone uses antacids, the pH of the stomach increases as the antacids work to neutralize or raise the acidity level of the stomach.

Common Antacids

• Quick-Eze
• Gaviscon
• Mylanta
• Tums
• Rolaids

Acid Rebound

• Refers to the phenomenon where the stomach produces more acid after the ingestion of certain foods or medications.
• Can result in an increase in gastric acidity, leading to symptoms such as heartburn or indigestion.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

• Reduce the production of HCL by inhibiting the action of parietal cells in the stomach.
• Examples: Omeprazole (generic) or Losec.
• Decrease the production of HCL, making the environment of the stomach less acidic.

Lactulose

• Exerts an osmotic effect on the bowel, increasing fluid volume and keeping more water in the bowel.
• Results in an increased amount of water being absorbed into the bowel, causing faeces to become softer.
• Stimulates peristalsis in the colon, making faecal matter easier to pass.

Skin Preparations

Cleansers

• To remove dirt, sebum, oil, and dead skin cells.

Desloughing Agents

• To help achieve and maintain wound bed and aid removal of wound biofilms, facilitating wound healing.

Counterirritants

• To make the skin feel cool and then warm.

Sunscreen

• To protect your skin from sunburn, skin cancer, and premature ageing.

Micreme

• Used to treat inflamed skin conditions, such as tinea, athletes foot, ringworm, and thrush infections of the skin.
• Apply sparingly once or twice daily to the affected areas of the body and rub gently with a finger into the skin.
• Side effects: skin irritation, itchy or itchy rash, red or inflamed skin, pale areas of skin, burning skin sensation, blurred vision.

Zovirax

• Used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV).
• Apply 5 times daily at approximately 4-hourly intervals, omitting nighttime, application, treatment for 5 days.
• Side effects: drying or flaky skin.

Aqueous Cream BP

• Used to treat dry skin conditions.
• Apply as often as required.
• Used also as a soap substitute.
• Side effects: high rates of skin irritation.

Betaline

• Used to treat common skin infections, such as skin around nails, minor burns, cuts, and scratches.
• External use only, apply directly to the affected area two to three times daily.
• Side effects: not recommended during pregnancy.

Pharmacology -- Digestive System

• Antacids are made from weak alkaline products and are used to neutralize or raise the pH of the stomach.

Pharmacology -- Paracetamol

• Antipyretic means to prevent or reduce fever.
• Forms of paracetamol: tablet, capsule, and oral liquid.
• Mode of action: prevents the production of prostaglandins, which reset body temperature, causes sweating and dilation of blood vessels, which cool the body via radiation and evaporation.
• Importance of administering the correct dose: to avoid overdosing, which can result in serious liver damage.

Pharmacology -- Topical Medications

• Topical application in medical administration means medication is applied to a specific area of the body.
• Methods of topical application: direct application, transdermal discs or patches, applying moist dressings, soaking body parts in a solution, or giving medicated baths.
• Reasons to use gloves for the application of topicals: protects nurses from contact with medication and keeps skin area clean from infection.

Skin Preparations

• Lotion: medication in liquid suspension applied externally to protect skin.
• Ointment (salve): semi-solid, externally applied preparation, usually containing one or more medications.
• Paste: semi-solid preparation, thicker and stiffer than ointment; absorbed through skin more slowly than ointment.
• Cream: liniment: preparation usually containing alcohol, oil, or soapy emollient that is applied to skin.