GI drugs: antacids, PPIs, antiemetics, laxatives
Pharmacology · MBBS
Study notes
A cirrhosis patient grows confused — lactulose is started, stools loosen, mind clears. Hepatic encephalopathy is ammonia poisoning the brain — lactulose (osmotic laxative) acidifies the colon, trapping ammonia as ammonium for excretion; 2–3 soft stools daily is the target. Rifaximin adds cover. The confusion reversing with bowel movements proves the gut-brain link — in liver failure, the colon is a dialysis machine, and lactulose runs it.
Related topics
- General pharmacology: pharmacokinetics — absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion
- General pharmacology: pharmacodynamics — receptors, dose-response, drug interactions
- General pharmacology: adverse drug reactions, pharmacovigilance
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- Autonomic drugs: adrenergic agonists and antagonists
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