Antiulcer drugs

Antiulcer drugs

A peptic ulcer is a circumscribed lesion that develops in the mu-cous membranes of the lower esophagus, stomach, duodenum, or jejunum.

Counting causes

The five major causes of peptic ulcers are:

·                 bacterial infection with Helicobacter pylori

·                 the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

·                 hypersecretory states such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a condition in which excessive secretion of gastric acid causes pep-tic ulcers)

·                 cigarette smoking, which causes hypersecretion and impairs ulcer healing

·                 a genetic predisposition, which accounts for 20% to 50% of peptic ulcers.

Balancing act

Peptic ulcer drugs are aimed at either eradicating H. pylori orrestoring the balance between acid and pepsin secretions and the GI mucosal defense. These drugs include:

§    systemic antibiotics

§    antacids

§    Histamine-2 (H₂) receptor antagonists

§    proton pump inhibitors

§    other peptic ulcer drugs, such as misoprostol and sucralfate.