Gastrointestinal Tract

Gastrointestinal drugs are used to treat following disorders

• Peptic Ulcer Disease
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Emesis
• Digestion

Types of GIT drugs

1. H₂ receptor antagonists
2. Proton Pump inhibitors
3. Anticholinergics
4. Antacids
5. Antibiotics
6. Laxatives
7. Antidiarrheal
8. Antiemetics

1- H₂ Receptor antagonists

They inhibit gastric acid secretions and are used in the treatment of following diseases

• Peptic ulcer disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Prevention of aspiration pneumonia

Examples

• Cimetidine
• Ranitidine
• Famotidine
• Nizatidine

2- Proton pump inhibitors

Proton-pump inhibitors are a class of medications that cause a profound and prolonged reduction of stomach acid production. They do so by irreversibly inhibiting the stomach’s H⁺/K⁺ ATPase proton pump.

These are used in the treatment of

• Duodenal or stomach (gastric) ulcer
• Relieve symptoms of acid reflux
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• To the lower esophagus caused by acid reflux.

Examples

• Omeprazole
• Lansoprazole

3- Anticholinergics

Anticholinergic agents are antispasmodics that inhibit intestinal smooth-muscle depolarization at the muscarinic receptor. These agents help relieve symptoms of intestinal spasms in irritable bowel syndrome.

• These are approved for treating peptic ulcer disease due to long term NSAID use

Examples

• Misoprostol

4- Antacids

An antacid is a substance which neutralizes stomach acidity and is used to relieve heartburn, indigestion or an upset stomach.

These are used to treat the symptoms of too much stomach acid such as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion. It is also used to relieve symptoms of extra gas such as belching, bloating, and feelings of pressure/discomfort in the stomach/gut.

Examples

• Hydroxides
  • Aluminum
  • Magnesium
• Carbonates
  • Calcium

5- Antibiotics

These are aimed for elimination of H. pylori infection.

Examples

• Bismuth
• Metronidazole
• Amoxicillin
• Tetracycline

6- Laxatives

There are 4 classes of laxatives

1. Bulk forming
2. Surfactants
3. Stimulants
4. Osmotic

A- Bulk Forming Laxatives

These are used to

• Soften and enlarge stool
• Fecal swelling promotes peristalsis
• Absorb water

Examples

• Methylcellulose
• Psyllium
• Polycarbophil

B- Surfanctant Laxatives

These are used to facilitate water penetration by lowering surface tension.

Examples

• Docusate Salt

C- Stimulant Laxatives

These are used to

• Stimulate peristalsis
• Increases water and electrolytes secretion into intestinal lumen
• Decreases water and electrolyte reabsorption

Examples

• Phenylolpthalein
• Bisacodyl

D- Osmotic Laxatives

Osmotic Laxatives are poorly absorbed salts which remain in fecal matter and pull water into lumen.

Examples

• Magnesium Hydroxide

7- Antidiarrheal

Miscellaneous agents found useful in the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea. They have no effect on the agent(s) that cause diarrhea, but merely alleviate the condition.

Examples

• Diphenoxylate
• Defenoxin
• Loperamide

8- Antiemetics

Antiemetic drugs are prescribed to help with nausea and vomiting that are side effects of other drugs. This may include drugs for anesthesia used during surgeries or chemotherapy for cancer. Antiemetic drugs are also used for nausea and vomiting caused by: motion sickness.

Examples

• Condansetron
• Granisetron
• Haloperidol

Popular Formulas of GIT drugs

Ranitidine, Cimetidine, Omeprazole, Esomperazole, Lansoperazole, Metronidazole, Aluminium and Magnesium Hydroxide

GIT drugs available in Pakistan

Opicap Capsules, Ezamax Capsules, Lanzac Capsules, Doctocaine Suspension, Ulcocid Suspension, Lactodil Suspension etc.

Don Valley Pharma is a leading gastrointestinal drugs manufacturer in Pakistan. If you are looking for gastrointestinal drugs exporter in Pakistan, look no further. Contact us today!