Fig. 21.1
Normally, acid secretion is mediated by a negative-feedback mechanism that is activated by lowered gastric pH; this negative-feedback system is mediated by somatostatin, secretin, prostaglandins, and a variety of other hormones. Somatostatin is secreted by the D cells which are also endocrine cells of the gastric epithelium. (a) Stomach cell types and substance secreted. (b) (From Yeo [103], Townsend [104], Copyright © 2012 Saunders, An Imprint of Elsevier)
Fig. 21.2
H+, K+-ATPase is irreversibly blocked by the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The effect of histamine is blocked by H2 receptor antagonists (cimetidine, famotidine, and ranitidine). Prostaglandins (e.g., misoprostol) inhibit gastric acid secretion and stimulate secretion of mucus and bicarbonate by epithelial cells. Sucralfate binds to proteins of the ulcer crater and exerts a cytoprotective effect, whereas antacids (salts of aluminum, calcium, or magnesium) neutralize acid in the gastric lumen (From Brenner [105], Copyright © 2012 Saunders, An Imprint of Elsevier)
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action: Antacids
Antacids are inorganic, relatively insoluble weak bases that partially neutralize gastric hydrochloric acid, raising gastric pH [5]. Generally, large doses of antacids are needed to raise gastric pH significantly [6, 7]. Antacid potency is based on molar equivalency required to neutralize a known amount of acid. The acid neutralization capacity among different proprietary formulations of antacids varies with rate of dissolution, water solubility, and rate of gastric emptying [8, 9].
Indications for Antacids/Clinical Pearls
1.
Only nonparticulate antacids (e.g., sodium citrate, magnesium trisilicate) should be used when antacids are indicated for selected patients for reducing the risk of pulmonary aspiration [10]. Bicitra® contains 100 g of sodium citrate/1,000 ml, i.e., 0.34 M [11]. Because antacids have a short duration of action, they must be administered every 1–2 h to achieve and maintain pH >3.5–4.0 [12, 13].
2.
Antacids bind bile acids, stimulate epithelial regeneration, and increase the production of prostaglandins, which in turn have a protective effect on gastric mucosa [12]. Antacids can be used for temporary relief of symptoms of duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, stress gastritis, and GERD.
3.
4.
Aluminum (which binds bile acids more tightly than magnesium) and magnesium salts bind to bile acids and are effective in reducing cholerrheic diarrhea [16].
5.
Among the antacids, calcium and aluminum salts are thought to cause constipation. However, studies have shown no evidence for this [17, 18]. Magnesium salts tend to cause diarrhea [19]. The absorbable antacid sodium bicarbonate does not affect stool frequency. The side effects of antacids may be used to advantage in particular patients. If the patient has a tendency to constipate, then a magnesium antacid may be the best choice. In a patient with a tendency to loose stools, calcium or aluminum antacids may be preferable [20].
Dosing Options for Antacids
The dose for magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide is 600–1,200 mg three to four times daily. The dosage for calcium carbonate is 1–2 g daily, administered in 3–4 divided doses; the duration of action of antacids is very short and requires redosing. Sodium citrate 0.3 M has a pH of 8.4 and has a very unpleasant metallic taste. The nonparticulate antacid Bicitra® contains citric acid and sodium citrate with a pH of 5.2, lower than sodium citrate and so more palatable. It is available in a 30 ml [3], 0.3 M solution and should be administered 15–30 min prior to induction of general anesthesia to prevent aspiration of gastric contents.
Drug Interactions of Antacids
Generally, it is advisable to space other drugs from antacids by 1–2 h. Drug interactions involving antacids occur through three mechanisms: (1) antacid binding of another drug in the gastrointestinal tract, (2) antacid-induced changes in gastrointestinal pH, and (3) changes in the urinary pH [21–27].
Side Effects of Antacids/Black Box Warnings
1.
2.
Aluminum toxicity can occur in patients with impaired renal function with ingestion of aluminum-containing antacids [28]. Aluminum may accumulate in the brain producing acute aluminum neurotoxicity, manifested as rapidly progressive encephalopathy with confusion, seizures, myoclonus, and coma.
Hypercalcemia can occur with prolonged ingestion of antacids, especially in patients with impaired renal function. Sodium-containing antacids used in excess may cause sodium overload in susceptible patients with congestive heart failure, ascites, and renal impairment. The milk–alkali syndrome, rarely observed currently, was originally reported as the triad of metabolic alkalosis, hypercalcemia, and renal insufficiency in patients with peptic ulcer disease who ingested large amounts of calcium and absorbable alkali [29].
3.
Allergic reactions, including asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis, have been reported with the use of antacids [30].
4.
Excessive use of gastric acid inhibitors including antacids increases the risk of intestinal infections [31].
Summary of Antacids
Antacids are inorganic salts available over the counter, which increase gastric pH and help improve some gastrointestinal disorders over the short term, but should not be used on a long-term basis as they are not completely benign medications. Their use or misuse is associated with serious side effects relating to mineral metabolism and allergic reactions, and patients and clinicians should use them judiciously.
GI Prokinetics
Introduction
Gastrointestinal prokinetic drugs augment gastrointestinal motility by increasing peristaltic contractile force and frequency in the small bowel, thus accelerating transit in the gastrointestinal tract. Prokinetic drugs provide symptomatic relief of abdominal bloating due to delayed gastric emptying, as seen with gastroparesis. These agents are also of value in promoting gastric emptying in patients undergoing anesthesia and surgery.
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action
Gastrointestinal prokinetic drugs act on diverse receptors to stimulate motility in the gastrointestinal tract (Table 21.1).
Table 21.1
Prokinetic agents
Cholinergic agonists | Bethanechol, neostigmine, acotiamide |
Dopamine antagonists | Metoclopramide, domperidone, itopride |
Macrolides, motilin receptor agonists/motilides,ghrelin receptor agonists | Erythromycin, mitemcinal |
Substituted benzamides | Cisapride, mosapride, renzapride, prucalopride |
5-Hydroxytryptamine agonists/antagonists | Ondansetron, granisetron, tegaserod |
Cholecystokinin receptor antagonists | Loxiglumide, dexloxiglumide |
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs | Leuprolide |
Somatostatin analogs | Octreotide |
Prostaglandins | Misoprostol, lubiprostone |
Opioid receptor antagonists | Alvimopan, methylnaltrexone |
Cholinergic Agonists: Bethanechol, Neostigmine, and Acotiamide
Bethanechol, an ester derivative of choline, stimulates muscarinic M2-type receptors on the gastrointestinal smooth muscle cell. Owing to their nonspecific action and inconsistent evidence for effectiveness in motility disorders, their use has nearly disappeared with the availability of newer agents.
Neostigmine, a reversible acetylcholine esterase inhibitor, facilitates parasympathetic and enteric stimulation of colonic motility. Neostigmine may be effective in producing rapid colonic decompression in those who failed conservative therapy in acute colonic pseudo-obstruction or Ogilvie’s syndrome [32–34]. Evidence for improvement of postoperative ileus is less clear [35]. The dose of neostigmine in one randomized controlled trial was 0.5 mg administered subcutaneously twice daily [36]. Common adverse events include bradycardia, increased bronchotracheal secretions, and abdominal cramps; cardiac arrest has been reported [37]. Cardiovascular monitoring is indicated when using neostigmine, and atropine or glycopyrrolate must be available. Contraindications include recent myocardial infarction, acidosis, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, pulse <60 beats/min, bronchospasm requiring medical treatment, and creatinine >3 mg/dL.
Dopamine Antagonists: Metoclopramide, Domperidone, and Itopride
Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide, a para-aminobenzoic acid derivative, is an antiemetic and a gastrointestinal prokinetic agent that stimulates gastrointestinal smooth muscle by multiple mechanisms. It is an antagonist at central and peripheral dopamine DA2 receptors, has direct and indirect effects on cholinergic receptors, and is a mixed 5-HT3 antagonist and 5-HT4 agonist [38–40]. Indications for metoclopramide include gastroesophageal reflux, although the drug does not promote endoscopic healing of esophagitis [38]. Metoclopramide accelerates gastric emptying and is approved for short-term treatment (≤12 weeks) of gastroesophageal reflux and diabetic gastroparesis (≤8 weeks) [38, 40–42]. Metoclopramide may shorten the duration of ileus, but there is little evidence of its efficacy in pseudo-obstruction [35].
Metoclopramide with or without H2 receptor blockers and antacids has been used to decrease the risk of pulmonary aspiration in patients with a full stomach, prior to the induction of general anesthesia. It has also shown to be useful as a prophylactic and a therapeutic antiemetic drug. The recommended dose of metoclopramide for most conditions is 10–15 mg orally before meals and at bedtime; the parenteral dose is 10 mg. Drug clearance is impaired in patients with cirrhosis and renal failure [43].
Metoclopramide may decrease the therapeutic effects of dopaminergic antiparkinsonian agents and increase the toxicity of antipsychotics, serotonergic agents, and tricyclic agents. Metoclopramide causes side effects in 10–20 % of patients, especially at higher doses and at the extremes of age. Mild side effects include mild anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia. More severe reactions include confusion, hallucinations, extrapyramidal symptoms and acute dystonic reactions [44], gynecomastia secondary to enhanced release of prolactin in adults [45], oculogyric crisis in children [46], neuroleptic malignant syndrome [47], and tardive dyskinesia [48]. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is rarely reversible, and the FDA has required a black box warning associated with chronic use (>3 months) of metoclopramide. Advanced age, female gender, diabetes, renal failure, chronic alcohol intake, cirrhosis, tobacco use, schizophrenia, known organic CNS pathology, and concomitant use of dopaminergic neuroleptics are risk factors [48]. The annual incidence of metoclopramide-induced TD dramatically increased after the withdrawal of cisapride from the US market in 2000 [49]. Metoclopramide should be stopped immediately if TD is suspected, and alternative treatments of the gastrointestinal symptoms should be used. As a preventive measure, it is better to avoid continuous metoclopramide use for longer than 12 weeks. Dopamine antagonists may facilitate release of norepinephrine. Because monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors impair metabolism of endogenous norepinephrine, dopamine antagonists should not be given in conjunction with MAOs [50].
Domperidone
Domperidone is an antiemetic and prokinetic agent that has peripheral dopamine DA2 receptor antagonist properties and unlike metoclopramide does not readily cross the blood–brain barrier. Thus, it is free from the troublesome central nervous system side effects associated with metoclopramide. Domperidone increases esophageal peristalsis and lower esophageal sphincter tone, increases gastric motility and peristalsis, facilitates gastric emptying, and decreases small bowel transit time. Domperidone is different from other prokinetic agents in that it has no cholinergic activity and its action is not inhibited by atropine [50, 51]. Currently, in the USA, domperidone requires an investigational new drug program request through the FDA.
Erythromycin
Erythromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, was the first nonpeptide compound for which agonism at the motilin receptors and gastroprokinetic properties were demonstrated [52–54]. Motilin, a hormone released from endocrine cells in the duodenal mucosal layer, stimulates gastric and duodenal motility via action on G-protein-coupled receptors called motilin receptors, which are localized in smooth muscle cells and nerve endings [55, 56].
Erythromycin is available in oral and intravenous forms. Oral erythromycin may improve gastric emptying and symptoms for several weeks, but its chronic use has been associated with tachyphylaxis due to downregulation of the motilin receptors [57]. The current off-label prokinetic indications for intravenous erythromycin are acute exacerbation of diabetic gastroparesis, optimizing small bowel feeding tube placement and optimizing endoscopy visualization for acute UGI bleeding [56]. It is recommended that the prescribed intravenous infusion be slow, over at least 60 min per dose. Erythromycin must be prescribed with caution in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment. Side effects/warnings for erythromycin include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting at high doses by inducing spastic gut contractions, and the risk of sudden cardiac death by prolongation of the QT interval and torsade de pointes [58–61].
Substituted Benzamides
Cisapride is a serotonin 5-HT4 agonist and 5-HT3 antagonist that stimulates the release of acetylcholine from postsynaptic neurons in the enteric nervous system. It was initially introduced as a prokinetic in the 1990s and later withdrawn from the market in 2000 following reports of serious cardiac events (QTc prolongation, torsade de pointes, and cardiac arrest). Its current use is through a limited access protocol requiring special authorization from the FDA.
5-HT Agonists/Antagonists
Ondansetron, granisetron, and other similar 5-HT agonists/antagonists have both prokinetic and antiemetic effects; their primary use is as an antiemetic and is discussed in detail in the antiemetic section of this book. Prokinetic effects of these agents are moderate.
Somatostatin Analog: Octreotide
Octreotide is a synthetic analog of somatostatin with a longer duration of action. In low doses, it stimulates motility, primarily through the induction of migrating motor complexes (MMC) [62–64]. However, higher doses often are employed for its antisecretory effects, which may inhibit motility. Octreotide infusion increases LES pressure and esophageal body contraction [65, 66]. However, the net effect of octreotide on gastric emptying and intestinal transit remains controversial and may be dose related. Several studies have indicated that despite its MMC-stimulating effect, octreotide delays gastric emptying and intestinal transit. Octreotide has been shown to reduce the sensation of rectal distention through inhibition of visceral afferent pathways.
Indications for octreotide include severe dysmotility syndromes such as malignant intestinal pseudo-obstruction [63], bacterial overgrowth in scleroderma [65], and postoperative ileus [67].
The most common side effects include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, biliary tract symptoms, impaired glucose tolerance, hypoglycemia (shortly after starting treatment), persistent hyperglycemia (during long-term treatment), gallstones (10–20 % of patients on long-term treatment), and pancreatitis (associated with gallstones).
Prostaglandins
The role of prostaglandins in gastrointestinal motility is complex and difficult to interpret, and the effect depends on the type of prostaglandin, dose, and the muscle layer studied [68]. Misoprostol, a PGE1 analog, hastens postprandial intestinal motility and accelerates orocecal transit time [69]. The NSAIDs diclofenac sodium and indomethacin do not appear to stimulate gastric motility in humans [70]. Lubiprostone, a bicyclic fatty acid derived from prostaglandin E1, activates the apical membrane of the chloride channel in the intestinal epithelium that stimulates intestinal fluid secretion, enhances and stimulates contraction in colonic as well as gastric muscles, and may act as a prokinetic agent [71, 72].
Lubiprostone is approved for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). Common side effects of lubiprostone include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and, rarely, dyspnea [73].
Opioid Antagonists Used as Prokinetic Agents
Opiates regulate gastrointestinal motility through effects on the enteric nervous system by promoting an inhibitory effect on gastrointestinal motility [74]. Methylnaltrexone and alvimopan are two recently marketed peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonists that do not readily cross the blood–brain barrier and used to treat opioid-induced bowel dysfunction and functional constipation [75]. Alvimopan is approved for short-term in-hospital treatment of postoperative ileus. The dose is 12 mg orally, taken up to 5 h preoperatively and twice daily postoperatively for up to 7 days (15 doses total). The efficacy and safety of these drugs for long-term use are not well understood [76]. These agents are contraindicated in patients with mechanical bowel obstruction. Methylnaltrexone is available as a subcutaneous formulation. The dose for an average adult patient is 12 mg (0.6 ml; 0.15 mg/kg) every other day. Side effects are similar to alvimopan.
Proton Pump Inhibitors: PPIs
Introduction of PPIs
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of several acid-related gastrointestinal disorders. As a class, PPIs are generally considered remarkably safe; however, there are increasing concerns about the consequences of long-term use, since numerous adverse effects have been associated with chronic therapy.
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of PPIs
PPIs cause pronounced and long-lasting gastric acid suppression by irreversible inhibition of the proton pump (gastric H+/K + adenosine triphosphatase) via covalent binding to cysteine residues. The amount of H+/K + adenosine triphosphatase present in the parietal cell is maximum after a prolonged fast, and so PPIs are most effective when administered before the first meal of the day.
Indications of PPIs/Clinical Pearls
Indications for the use of PPIs are peptic ulcer disease (PUD), Helicobacter pylori, chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, Barrett esophagitis, erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger–Ellison syndrome.
1.
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD): Clinical trials have consistently demonstrated that proton pump inhibitors are superior to standard doses of histamine2 receptor antagonists for GERD and PUD management [76]. Patients with bleeding peptic ulcers treated with PPIs have demonstrated decreases in the risk of rebleeding, the need for transfusions or surgery, and a reduction in length of hospital stay, although no evidence has been noted for an effect on mortality [77].
2.
H. pylori is associated with gastric and duodenal ulcers. H. pylori must be eradicated to facilitate healing and to decrease the risk of ulcer recurrence; PPIs are used for this purpose as part of triple therapy (PPI + two antibiotics) or quadruple therapy (PPI + bismuth + two antibiotics).
3.
NSAID long-term use: According to the American College of Gastroenterology 2009 guidelines, patients taking long-term daily NSAIDs should be considered for preventive therapy with daily PPIs [78].
4.
Antihypertensives, Diuretics, and Antidysrhythmics
Benzodiazepines and Muscle Relaxants
Hormones Part 2: Insulin and Other Glucose-Controlling Medications
Novel Psychoactive Substances: Synthetic Cathinones and Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists
New Vistas in Anesthetics, IV Induction Agents
Central Nervous System Stimulants
Barrett esophagitis: PPIs are more effective than H2 antagonists in Barrett esophagitis in providing symptomatic relief, preventing stricture formation, and promoting effective and faster healing of esophagitis and esophageal ulcers. It is unknown whether high-dose PPI therapy helps reduce the risk of esophageal malignancy, and further studies are warranted to address this issue [79].
Related posts:
Antihypertensives, Diuretics, and Antidysrhythmics
Benzodiazepines and Muscle Relaxants
Hormones Part 2: Insulin and Other Glucose-Controlling Medications
Novel Psychoactive Substances: Synthetic Cathinones and Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists
New Vistas in Anesthetics, IV Induction Agents
Central Nervous System Stimulants
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
