Question

There are 4 main mechanisms by which antiulcer drugs work . Please explain these four mechanisms of actions in your own words, in a way that anyone - even people who have not taken this course - would understand. These mechanisms are summarized in Figure 31.4 in your textbook but remember to use your own words to receive credit for this post. (NOTE: 200--400 words)

Answer 1

Anti ulcer drugs uses following approaches

• 1. Reducing the secretion of gastric acid: includes H2 antihistamines (ranitidine), proton pump inhibitors (Omeprazole), anticholinergic (pirenzapine), prostaglandin analogue (misoprostol)
• 2. Neutralizing gastric acid including systemic and non systemic drugs.
• 3. Ulcer protection: sucralfate and colloidal Bismuth subcitrate.
• 4. Anti H pylori drugs: tetracycline, Amoxicillin.

H2 receptor antagonist inhibits the production of acid by copeting reversibly with histamine and binds to H2 receptors on parietal cells. Histamine is blocked from stimulating the secretion of acid in stomach.

2: Acid neutralisers ( antacids) :

Systemic antacid: neutralise stomach acidity : sodium bicarbonate , it is a potent neutraliser, produces carbondiocide when reacts with stoch acids and leads to distention. No given in peptic ulcers.

Non systemic: react with acid to form the cholride salt which reacts with bicarbonates hence not absorbed and no acid base disturbance is seen.

Ulcer protection: extensive cross linking takes place and it adheres to ulcer craters and epithelial cells fir upto 6 hours. Stops the hydrolysis of protein mucosa by pepsin.

H pylori drugs basically attaches to the epithelium surface under the mucus. They produce ammonia which maintains the neutral activities or microbe friendly environment around the bacteria.