GI Medications - Top 200 Drugs Series Part 3

Introduction

• Presenter: Amanda, a pharmacist
• Topic: Gastrointestinal (GI) medications
• Overview: Discusses the generic and brand names, uses, and mechanisms of action of top GI drugs.

Stomach Medications

Acid Reflux and Ulcers

H2 Antagonists (H2 Blockers)

• Mechanism: Block histamine action at H2 receptors on parietal cells, reducing stomach acid.
• Uses: Treatment and prevention of ulcers and GERD (acid reflux) symptoms like heartburn.
• Suffix: -idine
• Examples:
  • Ranitidine (Zantac) - off the market but still listed in top 200.
  • Famotidine (Pepcid)

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

• Mechanism: Block the final step in stomach acid production by irreversibly binding to the gastric parietal cell proton pump.
• Uses: Treatment and prevention of ulcers and GERD; provides more acid suppression than H2 blockers.
• Suffix: -prazole
• Examples:
  • Omeprazole (Prilosec)
  • Pantoprazole (Protonix)
  • Esomeprazole (Nexium)

Anti-emetic Medications

For Nausea and Vomiting

Antihistamine Antiemetics

• Mechanism: Block histamine H1 receptors in the brain, preventing nausea and vomiting.
• Examples:
  • Promethazine (Phenergan)
  • Meclizine (Antivert)

5-HT3 Antagonists

• Mechanism: Block serotonin receptors in the brain, preventing nausea and vomiting.
• Examples:
  • Ondansetron (Zofran)

Other GI Medications

Constipation

• Mechanism: Increase stool water absorption in the gut; some types used as bowel prep before GI procedures.
• Examples:
  • Docusate (Colace) - Stool softener
  • Polyethylene Glycol (Miralax) - Laxative type

Irritable Bowel and Cramping

• Mechanism: Slow natural gut movement and relax stomach and small intestine muscles.
• Example:
  • Dicyclomine (Bentyl)

Conclusion

• Encouragement to like and share the video.
• Subscribe for more drug information videos.
• Next topic: Part 4, Seizure Medications.

Note: This lecture is part of a series on the top 200 drugs, focusing on their practical applications in pharmacy.