Pharmacology of the GIT Pharmacology of the GIT
systemsystem
LECTURE OutlineLECTURE Outline
•REVIEW the Anatomy of the GIT
•REVIEW the physiology of the GIT
•Review common GI drugs in the following
categories:
–1. Drugs affecting GI secretions
–2. Laxatives
–3. Anti-diarrheals
–4. Emetics and anti-emetics
Drugs affecting GI secretionsDrugs affecting GI secretions
There are five types of drugs that affect gastric
acid secretions and are useful for the
treatment of peptic ulcer.
1.Histamine (H2) receptor antagonist/blockers
2.Antacids
3.Proton pump inhibitors
4.Mucosal protectants
5.Prostaglandin analogs
Drugs affecting GI secretionsDrugs affecting GI secretions
Histamine (H2) receptor blockers
•These drugs BLOCK the release of
hydrochloric acid in the stomach in
response to gastrin
•Preventing histamine from Preventing histamine from
binding to its receptor in binding to its receptor in
parietal cells.parietal cells.
Drugs affecting GI secretionsDrugs affecting GI secretions
Antacids
•These drugs interact with the
gastric acids at the chemical
level to neutralize them
Drugs affecting GI secretionsDrugs affecting GI secretions
Proton pump inhibitors
•These drugs suppress the
secretion of hydrochloric acid
into the lumen of the stomach
•Stimulation of protein Stimulation of protein
kinases that phosphorylate kinases that phosphorylate
H*/K* ATPase.H*/K* ATPase.
Drugs affecting GI secretionsDrugs affecting GI secretions
Mucosal protectants
•These are agents that coat any
injured area in the stomach to
prevent further injury from acid
Drugs affecting GI secretionsDrugs affecting GI secretions
Prostaglandin analogs
•These are agents that inhibit the
secretion of gastrin and increase
the secretion of mucus lining of
the stomach, providing a buffer.
•Activate inhibitory proteins Activate inhibitory proteins
that block histamine that block histamine
activation of adenylate activation of adenylate
cyclasecyclase
The H2 Blockers- “tidines”The H2 Blockers- “tidines”
Pharmacodynamics: Drug Action
•The H2 blockers are antagonists at the
receptors in the parietal cells of the stomach.
•The blockage results to inhibition of the
hormone gastrin.
•There will be decreased production of gastric
acid from the parietal cells.
• Also, the chief cells will secrete less
pepsinogen.
The H2 Blockers- “tidines”The H2 Blockers- “tidines”
Therapeutic use of the H2 blockers
•Short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer or
benign gastric ulcer
•Treatment of hypersecretory conditions like the
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
•Prevention of stress-induced ulcers and acute GI
bleeding
•Treatment of erosive GERD (reflux disease)
•Relief of Symptoms of heart burn and acid
indigestion
The H2 Blockers- “tidines”The H2 Blockers- “tidines”
Precautions and Contraindications
•Any known allergy is a clear
contraindication to the use of the agents.
Conditions such as pregnancy, lactation,
renal dysfunction and hepatic dysfunction
should warrant cautious use.
•Nizatidine can be used in hepatic
dysfunction.
The H2 Blockers- “tidines”The H2 Blockers- “tidines”
Pharmocodynamics- Side effects and adverse
effects
•GIT= diarrhea or constipation
•CNS= Dizziness, headache, drowsiness,
confusion and hallucinations
•Cardio= arrhythmias, HYPOTENSION (related to
H2 receptor blockage in the heart)
•Cimetidine= Gynecomastia and impotence in
males
The H2 Blockers- “tidines”The H2 Blockers- “tidines”
Drug-drug Interactions
•Cimetidine, Famotidine, Ranitidine are
metabolized in the liver- they can cause
slowing of excretion of other drugs
leading to their increased
concentration. These drugs can be
anticoagulants, phenytoin, alcohol,
antidepressants.
The AntacidsThe Antacids
•These are drugs or inorganic chemicals that
have been used for years to neutralize acid in
the stomach. The following are the common
antacids that can be bought OTC:
•Aluminum salts (hydroxide)
•Calcium salts (carbonate)
•Magnesium salts (milk of magnesia)
•Sodium bicarbonate
•Magaldrate (aluminum and magnesium
combination)
2 types2 types
•Systemic
•NaHCO3, Na citrate
•alkalosis
•Non – systemic
•ALOH3 – adsorbs pepsin and
removes it from solution at Ph > 3
•Relaxes stomach,delays GET
•Stimulates secretion of mucus
enhancing mucosal barrier to acid
•MgOH - diarrhea
•CaCO3 – rebound acidosis
The AntacidsThe Antacids
Pharmacodynamics: drug action
•These agents act to neutralize the acidic
pH in the stomach.
•They do not affect the rate of gastric acid
secretion.
The AntacidsThe Antacids
Pharmacodynamics: drug action
•The administration of antacid may cause
an acid rebound.
•Neutralizing the stomach content to an
alkaline level stimulates gastrin production
to cause an increase in acid production
and return the stomach to its normal acidic
state.
The AntacidsThe Antacids
Therapeutic Indications
•Symptomatic relief of upset stomach
associated with hyperacidity
•Hyperacidic conditions like peptic ulcer,
gastritis, esophagitis and hiatal hernia
The AntacidsThe Antacids
Precautions of Antacid Use
•Known allergy is a clear contraindication.
Caution should be instituted if used in
electrolyte imbalances, GI obstruction and
renal dysfunction.
Antacids are combined toAntacids are combined to
• I.I. Antagonize the side effect of Antagonize the side effect of
the other component the other component
II. II. Obtain a product with a Obtain a product with a
rapid onset and sustained action rapid onset and sustained action
III.III. Lower the dose of each Lower the dose of each
componentcomponent
The AntacidsThe Antacids
Pharmacokinetics
• These agents are taken orally and act
locally in the stomach
The AntacidsThe Antacids
Pharmacodynamics: Effects of drugs
1.GIT= rebound acidity; alkalosis may occur.
•Calcium salts may lead to hypercalcemia
and milk-alkali syndrome.
•Magnesium salts can cause DIARRHEA
•Aluminum salts may cause CONSTIPATION
and hypophosphatemia by binding with
phosphates in the GIT.
2. Fluid retention due to the high sodium
content of the antacids.
The PPIThe PPI
These are the newer agents for ulcer
treatment
•The “prazoles”
Prototype: Omeprazole
•Lanisoprazole
•Esomeprazole
•Pantoprazole
The PPIThe PPI
Pharmacodynamics: drug action
•They act at specific secretory surface
receptors to prevent the final step of acid
production and thus decrease the level of
acid in the stomach.
•The “pump” in the parietal cell is the H-K
ATPase enzyme system on the secretory
surface of the gastric parietal cells
The PPIThe PPI
Clinical use of the PPIs
•Short-term treatment of active duodenal
ulcers, GERD, erosive esophagitis and
benign gastric ulcer.
• Long-term- maintenance therapy for
healing of erosive disorders.
Precautions with the use of the PPIs
•Known allergy is a clear contraindication.
Caution if patient is pregnant
The PPIThe PPI
Pharmacodynamics: Adverse effects
•CNS- dizziness, headache, asthenia (loss
of strength), vertigo, insomnia, apathy
•GIT- diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea,
vomiting, dry mouth and tongue atrophy
•Respi- cough, stuffy nose, hoarseness
and epistaxis.
The Mucosal ProtectantThe Mucosal Protectant
Sucralfate
•This is given to protect the eroded ulcer
sites in the GIT from further damage by
acid and digestive enzymes
SucralfateSucralfate
Pharmacodynamics: Action of drug
•It forms an ulcer-adherent complex at
duodenal ulcer sites, protecting the sites
against acid, pepsin and bile.
•This action prevents further breakdown of
proteins in the area and promotes healing.
SucralfateSucralfate
Clinical use of sucralfate
•Short and long term management of
duodenal ulcer.
•NSAIDs induced gastritis
•Prevention of stress ulcer
•Treatment of oral and esophageal ulcers
due to radiation, chemotherapy or
sclerotherapy.
SucralfateSucralfate
Precautions on the use of Sucralfate
•This agent should NOT be given to any
person with known allergy to the drug, and
to those patients with renal failure/dialysis
because of build-up of aluminum may
occur if used with aluminum containing
products.
The Mucosal ProtectantThe Mucosal Protectant
Pharmacodynamics: Side-effects & adverse
reactions
•Primarily GIT= CONSTIPATION,
occasionally diarrhea, nausea,
indigestion, gastric discomfort, and dry
mouth may also occur
•CNS= dizziness, drowsiness, vertigo
•Others= rash and back pain
The Mucosal ProtectantThe Mucosal Protectant
Drug-drug interactions
•If used with aluminum salts= high risk of
accumulation of aluminum and toxicity.
•If used with phenytoin, fluoroquinolones
and penicillamines- decreased levels of
these drugs when taken with sucralfate
Prostaglandin analogueProstaglandin analogue
Misoprostol
•This agent is a synthetic prostaglandin E1
analog that is employed to protect the
lining of the mucosa of the stomach
Prostaglandin analogueProstaglandin analogue
Misoprostol: Pharmacodynamics
•Being a prostaglandin analog, it inhibits
gastric acid secretion to some degree
•It INCREASES mucus production in the
stomach lining.
Prostaglandin analogueProstaglandin analogue
Misoprostol: Clinical use
•NSAIDs-induced gastric ulcers
•Duodenal ulcers unresponsive to H2
antagonists.
Prostaglandin analogueProstaglandin analogue
Precautions of Misoprostol Use
•This drug is CONTRAINDICATED during
pregnancy because it is an abortifacient.
•Women should be advised to have a negative
pregnancy test within 2 weeks of beginning
therapy and should begin the drug on the
second or third day of the next menstrual
cycle.
•They should be instructed in the use of
contraceptives during therapy.
Therapeutic Indications of the Therapeutic Indications of the
LaxativesLaxatives
•SHORT term relief of Constipation
•Prevention of straining in conditions like
CHF, post-MI, post partum, post-op
•Preparation for diagnostic examination
•Removal of poison or toxins
•Adjunct in anti-helminthic therapy
Contraindications in Laxative useContraindications in Laxative use
•ACUTE abdominal disorders
–Appendicitis
–Diverticulitis
–Ulcerative colitis
Pharmacokinetics: Pharmacokinetics:
Common Side-effects of the LaxativesCommon Side-effects of the Laxatives
•Diarrhea
•Abdominal cramping
•Nausea
•Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
•Sympathetic reactions- sweating,
palpitations, flushing and fainting
•CATHARTIC dependence
LaxativesLaxatives
•Generally used to INCREASE the
passage of the colonic contents
•The general classifications is as follows:
1. dietary fibers/Bulk formers
2. Mechanical /stimulant
3. Lubricants/emolient
4. Osmotic and saline laxatives
•saline: magnesium
hydroxide/citrate/sulfate (PO, enema)
•Na and K SO4,PO4
•glycerin (suppository)
•Causes duodenal secretion of
cholecystokinin – inc fluid secretion and
motility
Stool Softeners/Emollient Stool Softeners/Emollient
LaxativesLaxatives
•- docusate
•- surfactant which facilitates mixing of
water and oily materials
•- used to prevent constipation
•(post-MI, rectal surgery etc)
Stimulant LaxativesStimulant Laxatives
•- stimulates mucosal nerves in the colon
•diphenylmethane derivatives:bisacodyl,
phenolphthalein
•anthraquinone derivatives: cascara
sagrada, sennosides, casanthrol
•castor oil- active: ricinoleic acid
•S/E: dependence on laxatives; daily use is
discouraged
Lubricant laxativesLubricant laxatives
•Ex. Mineral oil
•Interferes with H2O and fat absorption
The Anti-diarrhealsThe Anti-diarrheals
•These are agents used to calm the irritation of
the GIT for the symptomatic relief of diarrhea
•General Classifications
Clinical Indications of drug useClinical Indications of drug use
•Relief of symptoms of acute and chronic
diarrhea
•Reduction of fecal volume discharges
from ileostomies
•Prevention and treatment of traveler's
diarrhea
Contraindications of anti-diarrheal Contraindications of anti-diarrheal
UseUse
•Poisoning
•Drug allergy
•GI obstruction
•Acute abdominal conditions
Pharmacokinetics: Side effectsPharmacokinetics: Side effects
•Constipation
•Nausea, vomiting
•Abdominal distention and discomfort
•TOXIC MEGACOLON
Antimotility agents/Opiods
•- opiods: diphenoxylate (+ atropine),
loperamide, paregoric, opium tincture,
difenoxin (metabolite of diphenoxylate)
•Inc GIT contraction but non propulsive and
they close the sphincter
Antisecretory/ Astringents
•a. bismuth subsalicylate- treatment and
prevention of traveler’s diarrhea
•Local anti- inflammatory effect of salicylate
•Antibacterial effect of bismuth
The Anti-diarrhealsThe Anti-diarrheals
Type Prototype Action
Local reflex
inhibitor
Bismuth
subsalicylate
Locally coats the
lining of the GIT to
soothe irritation that
may stimulate the
reflex
Local anti-
motility
Loperamide
Directly inhibits the
intestinal muscle
activity to SLOW
peristalsis
Central acting
agent
Opium
derivatives
(paregoric)
Stops GIT spasm by
CNS action
EMETICEMETIC
Pharmacodynamics
•Ipecac syrup irritates the GI mucosa
locally, resulting to stimulation of the
vomiting center
•It acts within 20 minutes
EMETICEMETIC
Clinical Use of ipecac
•To induce vomiting as a treatment for drug
overdose and certain poisonings
EMETICEMETIC
Contraindications of Ipecac use
•Ingestion of CORROSIVE chemicals
•Ingestion of petroleum products
•Unconscious and convulsing patient
EMETICEMETIC
Pharmacokinetics: side effects of Ipecac
•Nausea
•Diarrhea
•GI upset
•Mild CNS depression
•CARDIOTOXICITY if large amounts are
absorbed in the body
ANTI-EMETICSANTI-EMETICS
•These are agents used to manage nausea
and vomiting
•They act either locally or centrally
ANTIEMETICSANTIEMETICS
Types Pharmacodynamics
Phenothiazines Centrally block the vomiting
center in the medulla
Non-phenothiazine Reduces the responsiveness
of the nerve cell in the
medulla
Anticholinergics Block the transmission of the
impulses to the medulla
Serotonin receptor
blockers
Centrally and locally inhibits
the serotonin receptors
Miscellaneous Act in the CNS , either in the
medulla or in the cortex
ANTIEMETICSANTIEMETICS
Types Clinical Use
Phenothiazines N/V associated with
anesthesia, intractable
hiccups
Non-phenothiazine N/V associated with
chemical stimulation
Anticholinergics N/V associated with motion
sickness
Serotonin-receptor
Blockers
N/V associated with
chemotherapy
Miscellaneous N/V associated with
chemotherapy
ANTIEMETICSANTIEMETICS
Contraindications
•1. Severe CNS depression
•2. Severe liver dysfunction
ANTIEMETICSANTIEMETICS
Pharmacokinetics: Side-effects
1. PHOTHOSENSITIVITY
2. Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness and
tremors and DEHYDRATON
3. Phenothiazines= autonomic effects like
dry mouth, nasal congestion and urinary
retention
An example of a weakly basic prodrug that An example of a weakly basic prodrug that
when protonated,form covalent disulfide when protonated,form covalent disulfide
linkages with H+/K+ ATPase and inactivateslinkages with H+/K+ ATPase and inactivates
•A. maalox
•B. nexium
•C. tagamet
•D. buscopan
Anti – ulcerant drugs exert their effort Anti – ulcerant drugs exert their effort
through which of the ff mechanismsthrough which of the ff mechanisms
•I. stimulation of protein kinases that
phosphorylates H/K ATPase
•II. Prevent the histamine from binding to
its receptor in parietal cells
•III. Activate inhibitory proteins that block
histamine activation of adenylate cyclase
•A. I only C. I and II
•B. II only D. II and III only
•E. I , II, III
•.
Which of the H2 receptor blocker has almost Which of the H2 receptor blocker has almost
complete oral bioavailabiltycomplete oral bioavailabilty
•A. nizatidine
•B. famotidine
•C. ranitidine
•D. cimetidine
Evaluate the ff regarding emeticsEvaluate the ff regarding emetics
•I. they induce vomiting
•II. They cause vomiting reflex by irritating
the upper GI tract
•A. I only
•B. II only
•C. both
•D. none
Evaluate the ff statements regarding Evaluate the ff statements regarding
laxativeslaxatives
•I. they accelerate fecal passage in the
colon
•II. They increase fecal consistency
•A. I only
•B. II only
•C. both
•D. none
Different antacids are combined in one Different antacids are combined in one
preparation topreparation to
•I. antagonize the side effect of one
component
•II. Obtain a product with rapid onset and
sustained action
•III. Lower the dose of each component
A. I only C. I and II
•B. II only D. II and III only
•E. I , II, III
Antacids prevent the formation of this Antacids prevent the formation of this
proteolytic enzyme that is thought to proteolytic enzyme that is thought to
mediate tissue injury in gastric ulcerationmediate tissue injury in gastric ulceration
•A. pepsin
•B. pepsinogen
•C. chymotrypsin
•D. chymotrypsinogen
Gastric acid by parietal cells is/are regulated Gastric acid by parietal cells is/are regulated
byby
•I. neurocrine cells
•II. Paracrine cells
III. Endocrine cells
A. I only C. I and II
•B. II only D. II and III only
•E. I , II, III
This acts as the most common mediator and This acts as the most common mediator and
the most potent stimulus of gastric acid the most potent stimulus of gastric acid
secretionsecretion
•A. acetylcholine
•B. Histamine
•C. gastrin
•D. none
Prostaglandin analogs increases gastric Prostaglandin analogs increases gastric
mucosal resistance to injury bymucosal resistance to injury by
•I. increasing mucus secretion
•II. Increasing bicarbonate secretion
•III. Increasing gastric emptying time
A. I only C. I and II
•B. II only D. II and III only
•E. I , II, III