Gastritis Detailed Information
by Juliet Cohen

Gastritis means inflamation of the stomach. Gastritis can be caused by drinking extra alcohol, prolonged utilizes of no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or infection with bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Sometimes gastritis develops after major surgery, traumatic injury, burns, or severe infections. Certain diseases, such as pernicious anemia and chronic bile reflux, can reason gastritis as well. Autoimmune atrophic gastritis develops when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your stomach lining.

This causes an inflammatory response that slowly thins the lining, demolishes acid-producing glands and interferes with the production of basic factor, an essence that assists your body absorb vitamin B-12. Gastritis may be related with other medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, parasitic infections, several connective tissue disorders, and liver or kidney failure. The most significant risk factor for gastritis is infection with H. pylori bacteria. In the United States, one in five people younger than 40 and half of people older than 60 are infected. The numbers are much greater in developing nations.

In the United States, blacks, Indians and Hispanics are more apt to have gastritis related with H. pylori infection than are people of other races. Autoimmune gastritis, on the other hand, is more common among blacks and people of Northern European descent. Adults age 60 and older are at augmented risk of gastritis because the stomach lining tends to skinny with age. The most common symptoms are abdominal upset or pain. Other symptoms are belching, abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting or a feeling of fullness or of burning in the upper abdomen.

Blood in your vomit or black stools may be symptoms of bleeding in the stomach, which may show a grave problem, require direct medical attention. The treatment of gastritis will depend on its cause. Treatment for gastritis generally involves taking antacids and other drugs to decrease stomach acid, which causes further irritation to inflamed areas. Drugs that diminish acid production include histamine-2 (H2) blockers and proton pump inhibitors. H2 blockers are usually more helpful than antacids in relieving symptoms. Avoidance of certain foods, beverages, or medicines may also be recommended.

How The Drug Works

Sucralfate helps ulcers heal by forming a protective layer on the ulcer to serve as a barrier against acid, bile salts and enzymes present in the stomach and duodenum.

Uses

For short-term treatment (up to 8 weeks) of duodenal ulcers.

For maintenance therapy for duodenal ulcer patients at reduced dosage after healing of acute ulcers.

Other User: Occasionally doctors may prescribe sucralfate for or a and esophageal ulcers caused by chemotherapy or radiation, drug ­ induced digestive tract irritation, prevention of stress ulcers, long-term treatment of gastric (stomach) ulcers or inflammation of the esophagus. Sucralfate has also been shown to speed the healing of gastric ulcers.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if sucralfate appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with sucralfate. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with sucralfate.

1. Antacids (aluminum-containing)

2. Penicillamine (eg, Cuprimine)

3. Cimetidine (eg, Tagamet)

4. Phenytoin (eg, Dilantin)

5. Ciprofloxacin (eg, Cipro)

6. Rantidine (eg, Zantac)

Side Effects

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many sucralfate users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Other: Red or black stools; coughing up or vomiting bright red or “coffee ground-like” material.

Digestive Tract: Constipation; diarrhea; nausea; stomach discomfort; indigestion.

Skin: Rash; itching; hives.

Other: Dry mouth; back pain; dizziness; sleepiness; facial swelling; difficulty breathing.

Guidelines for Use

* Take on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before meals and at bed time.

* Do not take antacids 30 minutes before or after taking sucralfate.

* If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose in order to “catch up” (unless advised to do so by your doctor). If more than one dose is missed, or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Use exactly as prescribed.

* If red or black stools, coughing up or vomiting bright red or “coffee ground-like” material occur, contact your doctor.

* Duodenal ulcer is a chronic recurrent disease. While a single course of therapy of 4 to 8 weeks may completely heal the ulcer, ulcers may occur again and may be more severe.

* Suspension-Shake well before using.

* If you have any questions, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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