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Gastro-intestinal Medication
The importance of gastro-intestinal medication
Gastro-intestinal problems can make a patient very uncomfortable and even bring with them a great degree of pain and suffering. Some irritable bowel conditions make it difficult for people to confidently interact socially and participate in physical activities. Other problems like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can prevent people from being able to enjoy a simple meal without suffering painful heartburn and acid reflux afterwards. Gastro-intestinal drugs can bring about a tremendous amount of relief from symptoms of such conditions and allow patients to more fully enjoy their life. Gastro-intestinal medicines can help make other drug drug therapies, such as chemotherapy, more tolerable by offering anti-nausea and vomiting benefits. There are some people that have a difficult time with general anesthesia following surgical procedures and anti-nausea medicines can help them to better recover. There are many types of gastro-intestinal conditions and a patient usually has the option of using either generic drugs and brand-name pharmaceuticals for their treatment. Once someone has had their problem diagnosed by a physician and been prescribed gastro-intestinal medicine, it is important that they follow the recommended dosage schedules to fully realize the health benefits and successfully treat their condition.
DRUG TREATMENTS FOR GASTROINTESTIONAL CONDITIONS
Granisetron (Kytril®) is a medication which affects certain body chemicals that bring about nausea. Granisetron (Kytril®) is given to help patients who may be experiencing nausea, helping to prevent them from vomiting. It is often prescribed along with treatments for cancer, such as radiation or chemotherapy, which can have nausea as a side-effect. Granisetron (Kytril®) may also be used in conjunction with anesthesia, to prevent excessive nausea or to treat similar symptoms caused by other conditions, as determined by a doctor.
Esomeprazole (Nexium®, Neksium®) works within the stomach, lowering the amount of acid which is being produced. It is often prescribed to patients who suffer from conditions where the stomach manufactures an excess of acid such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.Esomeprazole (Nexium®, Neksium®) can also be an effective drug to treat erosive esophagitis, which may occur when stomach acid damages the esophagus. It may also be given as a preventative medication to stop a gastric ulcer which may be caused by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or brought about by helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.
Lansoprazole (PREVACID®) brings down the amount of acid manufactured by the stomach. It can be effective drug for healing and preventing ulcers of the stomach and intestine. Lansoprazole (PREVACID®) can be given to treat conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and erosive esophagitis. It may also be prescribed to patients who need to medicate other conditions which are caused by too much stomach acid production.
Omeprazole (PRILOSEC®, Losec ) lessens the amount of acid which is manufactured within the stomach due to conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It can be given to treat damaged tissue within the esophagus due to the condition called erosive esophagitis. Omeprazole (PRILOSEC®, Losec) may also be prescribed as a conjunctive treatment with antibiotics to help heal gastric ulcer brought about by a helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Doctors may give Omeprazole (PRILOSEC®, Losec ) to treat other stomach-acid related conditions.
Famotidine (PEPCID®) belongs to the drug group classified as histamine-2 blockers. It reduces the amount of acid manufactured within the stomach and can be an effective preventative medication for stomach and intestinal ulcers. Famotidine (PEPCID®) can be used to medicate conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and to treat any condition where an excess of stomach acid is rising up into the stomach producing heartburn.
Pantoprazole (Protonix®) belongs to the class of drugs referred to as proton pump inhibitors. They work to bring down an excess amount of stomach acid which is being produced within the body. Pantoprazole (Protonix®) is prescribed to treat conditions that are related to increased stomach acid production, like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It can also be given to medicate a condition which has damaged the esophagus because of excess stomach acid, referred to as erosive esophagitis.
Rabeprazole (Aciphex®) stops the stomach from making an excessive amount of acid. It is an effective drug treatment for conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which are characterized by an over-production of stomach acid. Rabeprazole (Aciphex®) can also be prescribed along with an antibiotic to stop a gastric ulcer from developing, due to a helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.
Tegaserod maleate (Zelnorm®) is a medicine which can be given to women and people under sixty-five years of age who suffer from constipation due to a type of irritable bowel syndrome. It simulates the effect that the chemical messenger serotonin naturally has on the body’s intestines. It encourages digestion and lessens sensitivity within the intestines. Tegaserod maleate (Zelnorm®) helps symptoms such as bloating of the abdomen and abdominal pain. It also can help women have more frequent and easier bowel movements.
Ranitidine (ZANTAC®) belongs to the class of drugs referred to as histamine-2 blockers. It brings down the amount of acid which is being made within the stomach. Ranitidine (ZANTAC®) is an effective drug treatment for stomach and intestinal ulcers and may be prescribed to help other conditions related to excessive stomach acid production such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It can also help treat an esophagus which has been irritated due to increased exposure to stomach acid.
Aprepitant (Emend®) is an anti-nausea medication which can prevent certain chemicals within the body from causing feeling of nausea and instigating vomiting. It is often prescribed in conjunction with other medicines to stop nausea following chemotherapy or to avert such feelings following anesthesia after surgical procedures. Aprepitant (Emend®) works to stop nausea or vomiting from happening in advance and will not help mitigate such feelings once they have already begun.
Balsalazide (Colazal®) works on the body’s chemicals which bring about bowel inflammation. It is often prescribed to patients who suffer from ulcerative colitis. Balsalazide (Colazal®) may also be given to treat other medical conditions, as determined by a doctor.
Cisapride (Propulsid®) is a medication which raises the rate in which digestive organs work during the digestion process. It quickens the pace in which the stomach empties contents into the intestines and can make the lower esophageal sphincter stronger. Cisapride (Propulsid®) is effective drug therapy for gastric reflux and help ease the symptoms of heartburn.
Ondansetron (Zofran®) is a drug which stops the chemicals within the body from instigating feelings of nausea and bringing on vomiting. It can be given as a preventative anti-nausea drug therapy along with chemotherapy or radiation to help nausea from occurring within cancer patients. Ondansetron (Zofran®) can also be prescribed to lessen the feelings of nausea following anesthesia given during surgery.
Itopride (Ganaton®) is a drug called a prokinetic benzamide derivative. It blocks the naturally occurring chemical dopamine and causes a gastrokinetic reaction. Itopride (Ganaton®) is prescribed as drug therapy for general dyspepsia and to treat other gastrointestinal problems.
Mesalamine (Asacol®) is medicine prescribed to patients who suffer from a moderate case of ulcerative colitis. It can be dispensed in different forms to treat inflammation of the rectum and large intestine such as suppository and through an enema.
Reglan® (or Maxolon®) increases the rate of stomach and small intestine contractions, helping food move through the digestive process. It may be given to diabetic patients suffering from, diabetic gastroparesis, where the stomach does have normal contractions. Reglan® (or Maxolon®) helps relieve symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis, such as heartburn, vomiting, general indigestion, feelings of uncomfortable fullness after eating, or loss of appetite. It is also prescribed as a short-term drug therapy for heartburn as a result of gastroesophageal reflux disorder. Reglan® (or Maxolon®) can be used to treat nausea when it is caused by chemotherapy or anesthesia.
Metoclopramide (Clopra®) is a medication that’s part of the group of drugs called dopamine receptor antagonists . It helps the stomach to empty itself and move its contents into the upper intestines. Metoclopramide (Clopra®) is given to patients on a short-term basis who suffer from chronic heartburn after ingesting a meal. It is generally prescribed after other medications have not sufficiently helped to alleviate the condition. Metoclopramide (Clopra®) can also be given to help heal espophagal tissue which has been irritated from heartburn. It is sometimes given to people with diabetes who are having difficulty with their stomach emptying (a condition called gastroparesis).
Domperidone (Motilium®, Gastractiv®) is a medication which helps increases the stomach and bowel movement contractions. It can be used as conjunctive drug therapy to help mitigate nausea and vomiting brought about as a reaction to other drugs, such as those used for Parkinson’s Disease patients. Doctors may also prescribe Domperidone (Motilium®, Gastractiv®) to treat other medical conditions.
Compazine® (or Stemetil®) is a medication which works on the brain chemical dopamine and prevents feelings of nausea and vomiting in patients. It is given to help mitigate extreme nausea. Compazine® (or Stemetil®) can also be given as short-term drug therapy to accompany schizophrenia or general anxiety which is non-psychotic in nature.
Pro Banthine® slows the secretions produced by certain organs within the body. It can be an effective drug therapy for conditions which are characterized by too much production of stomach acid, such as peptic ulcers. Some doctors have prescribed Pro Banthine® to help other medical conditions which involve extreme secretion or spasms; however, it has not been officially sanctioned by the FDA for this purpose.
Actigall (Ursodiol®, Ursofalk®) is given to patients who suffer from gallstones to dissolve them. It is sometimes an option for people who either don’t want gallstone surgery or are a poor candidate for such a procedure due to age or poor health. Actigall (Ursodiol®, Ursofalk®) can also be given as a preventative medication for people who are on a diet for rapid weight loss that are more inclined to develop gallstones.
Affording gastro-intestinal medication
Someone who suffers from gastro-intestinal problems can become very uncomfortable or even experience severe pain if their condition is left untreated. Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can inflame the esophagus to the point where eating becomes very painful and this can only escalate over time if not treated. Patients with diabetic gastroparesis can lose their appetite and grow very weak or suffer from painful heartburn and vomiting if they don’t take medication. Other people that experience ulcerative colitis can find themselves unable to comfortably participate in certain activities unless they have controlled their condition with gastrointestinal medicine. Taking medication on a short-term or long-term basis can be expensive. However, there is an option which is helping patients with dyspepsia or other gastro-intestinal problems better afford their gastrointestinal drugs – an online pharmacy. People all over the world have turned to pharmacies accessed over the internet, to buy their generic drugs (like ranitidine) and brand-name medication (like ZANTAC®) for less. Online pharmacies offer a particularly large range of gastrointestinal medicines for conditions like gastric reflux and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. They obtain many of their generic drugs from India, a country which has earned recognition by the international medical community for both the quality of their pharmaceutical production and ability to contain drug costs for consumers. Most online pharmacies ship their pharmaceuticals quickly and imports them legally to gastro-intestinal patients everywhere, bringing them much needed relief.
Benefits of gastrointestinal medication
It is much easier for patients of gastrointestinal problems to live comfortably thanks to the current medical understanding of their condition and the advancements made in gastro-intestinal drugs to treat their conditions. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation are less troubled by the side effects of nausea and vomiting, which had greatly contributed to their suffering in the past, because of anti-nausea drug therapy. Someone going through surgery will better recover from anesthesia if being given medicines to prevent nausea and vomiting. Gastro-intestinal medications can greatly alleviate discomfort, prevent pain, and relieve suffering. People need not suffer from gastro-intestinal conditions the way that they had in prior years and, if taking such medicine, can reasonably expect to enjoy a healthier and happier life.
