Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition

Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition 3(2+1)

Lesson 20:Gastrointestinal diseases

Drugs

It is important to neutralize the excess acid produced.

• Antacids were the earliest and most logical method of providing relief. They continue to be effective but have fallen out of routine use because they are cumbersome to prescribe, large quantities have to be taken several times a day.
• A group of chemicals are available that block certain vital steps in acid production by the stomach called H2 blockers. They are effective, devoid of major side effects and are given once or at the most twice daily.
• A third group of drugs, instead of attempting to lower or neutralize acid, they block the resistance of the lining of the stomach and prevent breakdown.