Gastroprotective drugs: how they work and side effects

When we find ourselves fighting against peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux or gastritis precious support comes to us gastroprotective drugs, capable of solving the problem or alleviating the symptoms, in many cases avoiding the need to resort to surgical interventions. What is it about exactly, what types of gastroprotective drugs exist and what side effects should we expect? Let’s see it together.

What are gastroprotective drugs and how do they work?

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Gastroprotectors are a group of drugs that help us protect the gastric mucosa it’s at counteract the secretion of hydrochloric acid by the cells of the stomach wall. Depending on their function, these drugs are divided into two groups, protectors of gastroduodenal mucosa And inhibitors And neutralizers of stomach acid secretionfurther divided into subgroups.

In the large group of inhibitors and neutralizers of stomach acid secretion we find the most common antacids, drugs whose purpose is to counteract stomach acidity going to neutralize the hydrochloric acid without intervening on the causes that determine hyperacidity.

THE proton pump inhibitor drugs (IPP), fromomeprazole toesomeprazole et al pantoprazole, instead reduce the production of hydrochloric acid by the cells of the gastric wall, thus inhibiting the action of the enzyme involved. The same group also includes histamine H2 receptor antagonist drugs as the ranitidinethe cimetidine and the roxatidineactive ingredients that they block the production of hydrochloric acid induced by histamine carrying out a gastroprotective action.

The second large group of gastroprotective drugs is instead represented by protectors of the gastro-duodenal mucosa. Here we find the misoprostolThe sucralfate and the sodium alginate, each with a specific action. Misoprostol, marketed as Angusta or Misofenac, can counteract acid production and prevent lesions of the gastric mucosa, while sucralfate adheres to the tissue damaged by ulcers defending it from acids and enzymes. Sodium alginate, recommended for treating gastroesophageal reflux, is able to hinder the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus thanks to its reaction with gastric acid which allows it to gel and thus float on top of the stomach contents.

Side effects of gastroprotective drugs

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Like all drugs and active ingredients, gastroprotective drugs they are not without side effects, although they are often temporary and reversible disorders that tend to disappear immediately after discontinuing their use. Among the main side effects we find meteorism and constipation, but also vomit, diarrheastomach pain, nausea and headache.

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The side effects caused byprolonged use of gastroprotective drugs they have yet to be ascertained by science, but as with any other drug it is best to contact your own doctor carer or to one specialist before proceeding with prolonged intake.