00:01
Second, on our list, we have H2-receptor
antagonists.
00:04
Now, imagine these as a dam blocking the flow
of acid production.
00:08
They work by blocking histamine receptors on
the parietal cells, that ends up reducing acid
secretion. So, famotidine is a common example
of an H2-receptor antagonist.
00:20
So, as expected, famotidine works by blocking
the H2 receptors on gastric parietal cells,
this is what helps to suppress the secretion
of gastric acid.
00:30
Now, some of the conditions that famotidine
can be used to treat include short-term
gastric and duodenal ulcers, prophylaxis of
recurrent duodenal ulcers, and
gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
00:42
Famotidine can be administered orally,
intramuscularly, or intravenously, depending
on the needs of the patient.
00:49
While the drug is generally well-tolerated,
some patients may experience side effects such
as headache, dizziness, constipation, or
diarrhea.
00:59
Now remember, the elderly are particularly
sensitive to these side effects. Additionally,
famotidine may interact with other drugs that
depend on gastric pH for absorption, such as
ketoconazole. So, as an important note,
famotidine is metabolized in the liver and
mainly excreted by the kidneys.
01:15
This means that in patients with moderate to
severe kidney problems, the elimination of
famotidine may be decreased, which may lead
to an increase in the risk of side effects.
01:25
So, to avoid this, it's important to reduce
the dosage of famotidine in patients with
moderate to severe renal impairment or just
avoid it altogether.
01:34
Another
way we can protect the stomach are proton pump
inhibitors, now these are like a master
switch. They can shut off acid production at
its source.
02:24
PPIs, such as omeprazole and pantoprazole,
inhibit the enzyme responsible for acid
secretion in parietal cells. First, let's
talk about omeprazole.
02:29
It's a proton pump inhibitor that
irreversibly blocks the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme
system, also known as the proton pump.
02:34
Now, this mechanism of action reduces gastric
acid secretion, so it provides relief from
symptoms and promotes healing. Omeprazole is
a helpful medication used to treat conditions
like active duodenal ulcers, erosive
esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux
disease. Plus, it can be used as a preventive
measure to protect against peptic ulcer
disease. Now, when it comes to
administration, omeprazole is typically taken
orally once a day before a meal, although
some patients may require twice a daily
dosing. Side effects of omeprazole can
include headache, abdominal pain, nausea,
diarrhea, and constipation.
03:05
So, it's important to note that omeprazole
may interfere with the absorption of drugs
that require an acidic gastric pH for optimal
bioavailability, such as digoxin,
ketoconazole, and iron salts. So, omeprazole
is available in both prescription and
over-the-counter formulations. Now let's
discuss pantoprazole.
03:17
Like omeprazole, pantoprazole is a proton
pump inhibitor with the same mechanism of
action, same indications, same side effects,
and drug interactions. However, there are a
few differences to consider.
03:25
Pantoprazole has a longer half-life, so this
could allow for maybe only once-daily dosing.
03:29
This can be really helpful for patients who
struggle with medication adherence.
03:32
Additionally, Pantoprazole is available as an
injectable formulation for short-term
treatment of GERD, providing an alternative
option for patients who cannot take oral
medications or require rapid relief. And
always remember that the word “-prazole”
equals proton pump inhibitors drugs, and they
reduce acid secretion by inhibiting the proton
pump in the parietal cells.