Introduction of Gastrointestinal agents

Introduction to Gastrointestinal Agents

• Introduction to Gastrointestinal agents include are medications or substances used to treat various conditions and symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
• They target different parts of the digestive system, from the esophagus to the colon, addressing issues such as indigestion, acid reflux, constipation, and diarrhea.

Types of Gastrointestinal Agents

Antacids

• • Function: Neutralize stomach acid and provide relief from heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion.
  • Common Examples: Calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide.

H2 Receptor Antagonists

• • Function: Decrease the production of stomach acid by blocking histamine H2 receptors on the acid-producing cells in the stomach lining.
  • Common Examples: Ranitidine, cimetidine, famotidine.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

• • Function: Reduce stomach acid production by inhibiting the proton pump in the stomach’s acid-producing cells.
  • Common Examples: Omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole.

Laxatives

• • Function: Treat constipation by softening the stool, increasing stool volume, or stimulating bowel movements.
  • Types:
    1. Bulk-forming: Psyllium
    2. Osmotic: Polyethylene glycol
    3. Stimulant: Bisacodyl
    4. Stool Softeners: Docusate

Antidiarrheal Agents

• • Function: Manage diarrhea by reducing stool frequency or consistency.
  • Common Examples: Loperamide, diphenoxylate with atropine, bismuth subsalicylate.

Antiemetic Agents

• • Function: Prevent and treat nausea and vomiting.
  • Types:
    1. Serotonin 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists: Ondansetron
    2. Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists: Metoclopramide
    3. Antihistamines: Dimenhydrinate

Prokinetic Agents

• Function: Improve gastrointestinal motility by enhancing the coordinated contractions of the GI tract.
• Common Examples: Metoclopramide, erythromycin.

Antispasmodic Agents

• Function: Relieve abdominal pain and cramping by relaxing the smooth muscles of the GI tract.
• Common Examples: Dicyclomine, hyoscyamine.

Bulk-forming Agents

• Function: Normalize bowel movements by adding bulk and water to the stool, making it easier to pass.
• Common Examples: Psyllium, methylcellulose.

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