Chapter 3: (B) Gastrointestinal Agents

Gastrointestinal (GI) agents deals with the properties and actions of drugs affecting GI system function.

Classification:
1) Gastric acidifiers/Acidifying agent: Dilute Hydrochloric Acid
2) Antacid:
i) Systemic Antacid- Sodium Bicarbonate
ii) Non systemic Antacid- Aluminium Hydroxide, Aluminium Phosphate, Basic aluminium
carbonate, Magnesium carbonate, Magnesium oxide, Magnesium hydroxide, Magnesium
trisilicate, Calcium carbonate, Calcium Phosphate etc.
3) Protective and Adsorbent: Bismuth Sub carbonate, Bismuth sub nitrate, kaolin, Milk
of bismuth etc
4) Cathartics –it is also classified as:
i) Stimulant

ii ) Bulk purgative

iii) Lubricants

iv) saline cathartics
E.g. – Castor oil, Methyl cellulose, liquid paraffin, Mineral oil, Senna, Magnesium sulphate,
Isapgol, etc.