Drugs and the Gastrointestinal (GI) system

Drugs and the GI system

The GI tract is basically a hollow, muscular tube that begins at the mouth and ends at the anus; it encompasses the pharynx, esopha-gus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. Its primary func-tions are to digest food and absorb nutrients and fluids and ex-crete metabolic waste.

Getting on tract

Classes of drugs used to improve GI function include:

·                 peptic ulcer drugs

·                 adsorbent, antiflatulent, and digestive drugs

·                 obesity drugs

·                 antidiarrheal and laxative drugs

·                 antiemetic and emetic drugs.