DRUGS USED TO

TREAT

Therapeutic actions: Indication:

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX The desired actions of H2 antagonists include the following:
AND ULCER
These drugs are used in the following conditions:
● Short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer or benign gastric ulcer.
DISEASE ● Selectively block H2 receptors located on the parietal cells.
DISEASE ● Prevents the release of gastrin, a hormone that causes local release of
● Treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger–Ellison
syndrome
histamine (due to stimulation of histamine receptors), ultimately blocking
● Prophylaxis of stress-induced ulcers and acute upper GI bleeding in critical
the production of hydrochloric acid.
patients
HISTAMINE-2 ● Decreases pepsin production by the chief cells. ● Treatment of erosive gastroesophageal reflux
Pharmacokinetics: ● Relief of symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.
ANTAGONISTS Cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine are available in oral and parenteral forms. Adverse Effects:
Nizatidine is available only in oral form. Cimetidine was the first drug in this class to
be developed. The adverse effects most commonly associated with H2
antagonists include the following:
● Gatrointestinal system (GI) effects of diarrhea or constipation.
Contraindication and Cautions:
● Central Nervous System (CNS) effects of dizziness, headache,
The contraindications and cautions when using H2 antagonists include: somnolence, confusion, or even hallucinations.
● Allergy. The H2 antagonists should not be used with known allergy to ● Cardiovascular System (CS) effects of cardiac arrhythmias and
any drugs of this class to prevent hypersensitivity reactions. hypotension
● Pregnancy or lactation. Caution should be used during pregnancy or ● Reproductive System (RS) effects of Impotence.
lactation because of the potential for adverse effects on the fetus or
● Misc: gynecomastia (more common with long-term use of cimetidine)
nursing baby.
● Hepatic or renal dysfunction. Caution should be used in patients with
hepatic or renal dysfunction, which could interfere with drug metabolism
and excretion.

Antacids ● Prolonged or continual use. Care should also be taken if prolonged or

continual use of these drugs is necessary because they may be masking
serious underlying conditions.

PROTON PUMP
INHIBITORS

GI PROTECTAN

PROSTAGLANDIN