Chapter 16: Gastrointestinal Drugs

Question 1

Antacids

Answer 1

Agents that neutralize gastric hydrochloric acid.

Question 2

Antidiarrheal

Answer 2

Medications that reduce the number of loose stools.

Question 3

Antiemetics

Answer 3

Drugs that prevent or treat nausea, vomiting, or motion sickness.

Question 4

Antispasmodics

Answer 4

Muscle relaxers that help with abdominal or urinary pain caused by smooth muscle contractions.

Question 4

Antiflatulents

Answer 4

Medications used in the symptomatic treatment of gastric bloating or GI gas pain.

Question 5

Antiulcer

Answer 5

Drug that reduces gastric acid secretion or that acts to prevent or treat gastric or duodenal ulcers.

Question 6

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)

Answer 6

Vomiting that occurs after the administration of drugs used to treat cancer.

Question 7

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Answer 7

A backward flow of gastric secretions into the esophagus causing inflammation and discomfort. GERD is treated with drugs to accelerate gastric emptying.

Question 8

Histamine-2 blockers

Answer 8

Agents that block the histamine receptors found in the stomach to reduce gastric acid secretions.

Question 9

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Answer 9

The term for a number of chronic, relapsing inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract of unknown etiology.

Question 10

Laxatives

Answer 10

Drugs that promote evacuation of the intestine.

Question 11

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)

Answer 11

One of the most commonly occurring postoperative complications. During the postoperative period, patients may experience considerable pain, difficulty moving, nausea, and vomiting.

Question 12

Probiotics

Answer 12

Agents having favorable or health-promoting effect on living cells and tissues.

Question 13

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)

Answer 13

Gastric antisecretory agent unrelated to H2 receptor antagonists used for short-term symptomatic relief of GERD, ulcers, heartburn, and erosive esophagitis.

Question 14

According to the According to the National Institutes of Health, how many people suffer from Digestive Diseases?

Answer 14

60-70 million

Question 15

What are the 8 categories of Gastrointestinal (GI) drugs?

Answer 15

• Antacids
• Drugs for treatment of ulcers and GERD
• GI antispasmodics
• Agents for inflammatory bowel disease
• Antidiarrheal agents
• Antiflatulents
• Laxatives and cathartics
• Antiemetics

Question 16

Antacids can also be used as __________ agents in the management of esophageal reflux.

Answer 16

Supplemental

Question 17

Antacid products may contain…

Answer 17

Aluminum, calcium carbonate, or magnesium (either individually or in combination)

Question 18

Most Antiacids contain…

Answer 18

Sodium

Question 19

Why is Sodium Bicarbonate not recommended to take by itself?

Answer 19

Because with prolonged use, it can cause an imbalance of flatulence (gas production), metabolic alkalosis, and electrolytes.

Question 20

The choice of a specific antacid preparation depends on…

Answer 20

Palatability, cost, adverse effects, acid-neutralizing capacity, sodium content, and the patient’s renal and cardiovascular function.

Question 21

Generally, antacids have a _______ duration of action, requiring _______________.

Answer 21

Short; frequent administration

Question 22

Which antacids are the most commonly used?

Answer 22

Magnesium and/or Aluminum

Question 23

What can be usually used to control the frequency and consistency of bowel movements?

Answer 23

Combinations, such as Maalox, Gelusil, and Mylanta.

Question 24

Side effects with the frequent use of antacids may include:

Answer 24

- Constipation (with aluminum or calcium carbonate antacids) - Diarrhea (with magnesium antacids) - Electrolyte imbalance - Urinary calculi (stone formation) and renal complications - Osteoporosis (with aluminum antacids) - Belching and flatulence (with calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate)

Question 25

Cautions or contraindications with antacids apply to:

Answer 25

- Heart failure - Chronic kidney disease or history of renal calculi - Cirrhosis of the liver or edema - Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance

Question 26

Antacids can affect the absorption of other medications by...?

Answer 26

Increasing or decreasing absorption/the effectiveness of other drugs

Question 27

Antacids should not be taken within 2h of administering the following medications [list them] because...

Answer 27

- Anti-infectives, especially tetracyclines, quinolones, and isoniazid - Digoxin, indomethacin, and iron - Salicylates and thyroid hormones - Bisphosphonates (i.e., Actonel, Fosamax) Because antiacids may decrease the effectiveness of these drugs.

Question 28

Patients using antacids should be instructed regarding:

Answer 28

- Avoiding prolonged use (no longer than 2 weeks) of OTC antacids without medical supervision because of the danger of masking symptoms of GI bleeding or GI malignancy and causing the stomach to increase excess acid. - Avoiding the use of antacids at the same time as any other medication because of many interactions (check with a pharmacist or physician concerning clinically important interactions). - Avoiding the use of antacids entirely or use with caution if the patient has cardiac, renal, or liver disease or fluid retention.

Question 29

Taking antacids with the following drugs may increase action and precipitate side effects:

Answer 29

- Diazepam, which increases sedation - Amphetamines and quinidine, which increase cardiac irregularities - Enteric-coated drugs, which may be released prematurely in the stomach (separate doses from antacids by 2 h)

Question 30

Patients taking medicines for the management of esophageal reflux should also be instructed regarding:

Answer 30

- Avoidance of constrictive clothing, treatment of obesity (if appropriate) - Reducing meal size - Avoiding lying down after meals - Restriction of alcohol use - Elimination of smoking - Elevating the head of the bed during sleep