Anti-Ulcer Drugs, Laxatives, and Antiemetics Quiz

Antacids

• Antacids are commonly used to neutralize excess stomach acid, often for relief of heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux.

Cimetidine

• Cimetidine is an H2 receptor antagonist and may cause constipation as a side effect.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

• PPIs primarily work by inhibiting the enzyme that pumps hydrogen ions into the stomach, thus reducing acid production.

Anti-Secretory Drugs

• Anti-secretory drugs like cimetidine and famotidine are commonly used for treatment of peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Aluminum-Containing Antacids

• Common adverse effects of aluminum-containing antacids include constipation and hypophosphatemia (low phosphate levels).

Antacid Timing

• Antacids are recommended to be taken after meals and at bedtime to help neutralize stomach acid during periods of increased gastric activity.

Histamine 2 Receptor Antagonists

• The primary pharmacological effect of histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) in the treatment of ulcers is to reduce gastric acid secretion, which helps promote healing.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

• Headache is a common adverse effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Laxatives

• The main adverse effect associated with laxatives is dependence and potential electrolyte imbalance.

Anti-Ulcer Drugs

• Clarithromycin is primarily used in combination with other medications to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, a common cause of ulcers.

Anti-Emetics

• The key pharmacological effect of anti-emetics is to block the signals that trigger vomiting in the brain and stomach.

Mucosal Protective Agents

• Mucosal protective agents like bismuth subsalicylate help to protect the stomach lining from further damage in the treatment of ulcers.

Serotonin Receptor Blockers

• Ondansetron blocks type 3 serotonin receptors in the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone (CTZ) and on afferent vagal neurons in the upper GI tract, effectively reducing nausea and vomiting.

Dopamine Receptor Blockers

• Prochlorperazine is an anti-emetic known for blocking dopamine receptors in the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone (CTZ).

Appetite Stimulant

• Metoclopramide can be used as an appetite stimulant in addition to its anti-emetic properties.

Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy

• Vitamin B6 is the first-line therapy for Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy.

Benzodiazepine Anti-emetics

• Promethazine is a benzodiazepine commonly used as an anti-emetic to reduce nausea and vomiting.

5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists

• Ondansetron, granisetron, and dolasetron are examples of anti-emetics that act by blocking type 3 serotonin receptors.