Pharmacological Management of Peptic Ulcer Disease using Antacids
Peptic Ulcer Disease is a medical condition that is characterized by the formation of ulcers along the digestive system including the esophagus, stomach, or the duodenum (Chaudhari Priyanka, 2016). The gastric and duodenal ulcers occur more often than the esophageal ulcers. In most cases, Peptic Ulcer Disease occurs as a result of an infection with the helicobacter pylori or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
To treat this condition, several drugs are administered. Among these is the antacid which has two prototypes; Mylanta and Mylanta double strength. Antacids work by neutralizing the gastric acid and also reducing the level of pepsin production (Chaudhari Priyanka, 2016). This is an important strategy as it ensures that the environment in the stomach promotes healing of the wounds as there will no longer be a burning acid (Hurenkamp, 2001). In addition, it ensures that the environment is suitable for healthy bacteria only.
When Mylanta is prescribed, it becomes absorbed from the gastro intestinal tract in very small amounts. It is an alkaline product which works by neutralizing the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Its onset of action is generally between 20 to 60 minutes (Hurenkamp, 2001). Generally, there are two types of antacids; aluminum based and magnesium based. The aluminium based product is needed in large doses and tend to feature slow onset of action (Chaudhari Priyanka, 2016). The magnesium based product acts fast and is only required in small doses.
This pharmacological management of PUD with antacids has several nursing implications. As a nurse, the extent of the PUD is what will determine the kind of antacid prescribed and in what dose. For instance, if it is a small ulcer that only causes slight discomfort, then the aluminum based antacid may be prescribed for daily use over a given period of time. Another nursing implication is when considering the effects of the drugs on the patient. The nurse needs to know when the drug offered is no longer effective for the patient. For instance, antacids can sometimes be ineffective for a patient requiring corrective surgery for the same illness.
References
Chaudhari Priyanka, R., Rana Jenish, H., Gajera, V., Lambole, V., & Shah, D. P. (2016). Peptic Ulcer: A Review On Epidemiology, Etiology, Pathogenesis And Management Strategies. Pharma Science Monitor, 7(2), 139-147.
Hurenkamp, G. B., Grundmeijer, H. M., Van Der Ende, A., Tytgat, G. J., Assendelft, W. J., & Van Der Hulst, R. M. (2001). Arrest of chronic acid suppressant drug use after successful Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with peptic ulcer disease: a six-month follow-up study. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 15(7), 1047-1054. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2036.2001.01017.x
