What is the most common area for a peptic ulcer to develop?
- duodenum
What is believed to be the most common cause of a peptic ulcer?
- Helicobater pylori and NSAIDs
Do spicy foods cause ulcers?
- Not proven
What is the treatment for Helicobacter Pylori?
- Antibiotics (amoxicillin)
Where (in the body) do antacids work?
- In the stomach
What are possible adverse reactions to antacids?
- Interfere with absorption of drugs. Can cause diarrhea, constipation, electrolyte imbalances
What do H2 receptor agonists block?
- Histamine from stimulating acid secreting cells of the stomach
What are adsorbents prescribed for?
- Antidotes for ingestion of toxins – poisoning, overdose
How do antiflatulent drugs work?
- Disperse gas pockets in the GI tract (Maalox, gas x)
How do appetite suppressant drugs work?
- Increase norepinephrine and dopamine, fat blockers bind to lipases, making fat indigestible
What are adverse reactions of antidiarrheal drugs?
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, drowsiness, fatigue
What are diuretics commonly used for?
- Renal disease, edema, HTN, heart failure
Adverse reactions to a diuretic like Thiazide?
- Reduced blood volume, OH, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia
What are the most potent diuretics?
- Loop diuretics
What are Loop diuretics used for?
- Produce a large amount of urine, increase secretion of sodium, chloride, and water. Edema from renal disease, heptic cirrhosis.
What do Loop diuretics contain that may be a problem for some pts.?
- Contain sulfa- can have allergic reaction
Centrally acting muscle relaxants are usually prescribed with what for best results?
- Rest and PT
Where do centrally acting muscle relaxants work?
- CNS for acute spasm
Where do direct acting muscle relaxants work?
- On the muscle itself- weakens the force of contractions
A high level of acetylcholine in the brain can lead to what?
- Excitatory effect on the CNS – can cause tremors
What are the cardinal signs of Parkinson’s disease?
- Rigid muscles, akinesia, tremors, posture/balance tests
Levodopa is normally effective for how long(years)?
- 3-5 years
What is the goal when using barbiturates to treat seizures?
- To raise the threshold for seizure
What are the characteristics of a migraine?
- Unilateral, pulsing, pounding, aura, sensitivity to light, nausea. Caused by cranial vasodilation
