General measures consist of physical and mental rest, and control of diet. The diet should be bland in nature, and comprise small and frequent meals. In an acute peptic ulcer a meal consisting mainly of milk given frequently. Milk not only counteracts acidity but also delays the emptying time of the stomach. Avoidance of too much coffee, tea and spicy foods and cessation of smoking are recommended.

The drugs used in the treatment of a peptic ulcer include antacids, those which inhibit gastric secretion, anti-cholinergics, and those which promote healing. In persons suffering from anxiety reaction, anti-anxiety drugs may be helpful. Of these, diazepam and alprazolam are used for their beneficial effects.


Antacids

These drugs are basic in nature and neutralize the acid secreted in the stomach, and reduce bad effects of pepsin by inactivating it. They provide symptomatic relief and to a lesser extent, promote healing. It must be emphasized that the stomach keeps on emptying itself and the action of the antacid lasts only for a short while, irrespective of the dose taken. It is, therefore, important to take an antacid at frequent intervals. Increasing the dose does not prolong the antacid action appreciably.

Antacide can be divided into two major groups: those absorbable from the intestines, and those which are non-absorbable. Since absorbable antacids produce actions all over the body (systemic effects) they are not preferred. Non-absorbable antacids act in the stomach cavity only and do not cause blood acid base imbalance.

Non-Absorbable Antacids

The ability of Antacids to neutralize stomach acid is called acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) and varies from antacid to antacid. These, are available as tablets and liquids, liquids are preferred to tablets because of their variable effects.

Aluminium Hydroxide

It is slow acting and its ANC is variable. Food reduces its ANC. It causes constipation. It binds phosphates in the intestine and therefore is useful in phosphate stones, but causes weakness and loss of appetite. Small amount of aluminium may be absorbed particularly in kidney failure and may cause brain damage (encephalopathy). Commonly used preparation is

ALUDROX 840 mg tab and 600mg/10ml syp suspension.

By: Franchis

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