gastrointestinal disorders
Medications for the Treatment of Gastric Acidity
Prostaglandins
Certain prostaglandins (especiallymisoprostol) inhibit acid secretion by decreasing the generation of cyclic AMP that is triggered by histamine stimulation of the parietal cell, and enhance mucosal defense. Synthetic prostaglandin derivatives are used predominantly to decrease the risk of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced mucosal injury. Patients at high risk of NSAID-induced ulcers (ie, older patients, those with a history of ulcer or ulcer complication, those also taking corticosteroids) are candidates for oralmisoprostol200 mcg 4 times a day taken with food along with their NSAID. Common adverse effects ofmisoprostolare abdominal cramping and diarrhea, which occur in 30% of patients.Misoprostolis a powerful abortifacient and is absolutely contraindicated in women of childbearing age who are not using contraception. 