31.3 Pepsin Inhibitors and Prostaglandin Analogues

Pepsin inhibitors and prostaglandin analogues are key players in treating stomach issues. They work by blocking protein-breaking enzymes and boosting protective barriers in your gut. These meds can be lifesavers for ulcers and acid reflux.

While effective, they come with some side effects to watch out for. Nausea and diarrhea are common, and prostaglandin drugs are a no-go during pregnancy. It's crucial to take them as directed and let your doc know about any other meds you're on.

Pepsin Inhibitors and Prostaglandin Analogues

Mechanisms of action

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Top images from around the web for Mechanisms of action

• 

  Frontiers | Role of the Gastric Microbiome in Gastric Cancer: From Carcinogenesis to Treatment View original

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• 

  Bacterial Infections of the Gastrointestinal Tract | Microbiology View original

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• 

  Frontiers | Molecules and Prostaglandins Related to Embryo Tolerance View original

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  Frontiers | Role of the Gastric Microbiome in Gastric Cancer: From Carcinogenesis to Treatment View original

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  Bacterial Infections of the Gastrointestinal Tract | Microbiology View original

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• Pepsin inhibitors block pepsin activity, a digestive enzyme breaking down proteins in the stomach, reducing pepsin-mediated gastric mucosa damage (pepstatin, pepsinostreptin)
• Prostaglandin analogues mimic natural prostaglandins in the gastrointestinal tract, increasing mucus and bicarbonate secretion to enhance the gastric mucosa's protective barrier, improving blood flow promoting healing and reducing inflammation (misoprostol)

Indications, side effects, drug interactions

• Pepsin inhibitors treat peptic ulcer disease, GERD, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome with side effects of nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache and may reduce absorption of antibiotics and antifungals
• Prostaglandin analogues prevent NSAID-induced gastric ulcers, treat duodenal ulcers with side effects of diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, uterine contractions (contraindicated in pregnancy) and may enhance anticoagulant effects increasing bleeding risk

Nursing care plan

• Assessment evaluates gastrointestinal symptoms (pain, heartburn, nausea), monitors gastrointestinal bleeding signs (black tarry stools, coffee-ground emesis), assesses medication adherence and understanding
• Monitoring evaluates therapy response, symptom improvements, potential side effects (diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache), and drug interaction signs (antibiotics, antifungals, anticoagulants)
• Interventions administer medications as prescribed, educate on proper administration, encourage lifestyle modifications (avoiding trigger foods, smaller meals, elevating bed head), provide emotional support and reassurance

Patient education guide

• Proper use: take medication as directed before meals or as needed for symptom relief, do not crush, chew, or break tablets unless instructed, store at room temperature away from heat, light, moisture
• Potential side effects: inform of common side effects (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache), report severe or persistent side effects, caution prostaglandin analogue patients about uterine contraction risk and pregnancy contraindication
• Important precautions: advise informing healthcare provider of other medications due to potential interactions, avoid NSAIDs while taking prostaglandin analogues as they may reduce effectiveness, seek immediate medical attention for gastrointestinal bleeding signs (black tarry stools, coffee-ground emesis)