Rational pharmacotherapy of diseases of the digestive tract using antisecretory drugs

Abstract:

Antisecretory drugs, after their introduction to the market, significantly improved the treatment of a wide range of disorders where gastric acid has a significant pathophysiological role – gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, non-ulcer dyspepsia, and H. pylori infection. It especially applies to the proton pump inhibitors (PPI), which are extremely effective in treating such conditions and have minimized the need for surgical treatment, which was very frequent prior to their introduction. When prescribing antisecretory drugs it is necessary to take into account the possible adverse effects and safety of long-term use. Although today they are among the most widely prescribed drugs, and have a high safety level, certain restrictions for prescribing PPI are necessary, which applies in particular to the adherence of indications and the recommended duration of treatment. 

Key words:
antisecretory therapy; dyspepsia; gastroesophageal reflux; Helicobacter pylori infection; histamine H2 antagonists; peptic ulcer; proton pump inhibitors; Zollinger-Ellison syndrome