Rational drug use for digestive diseases

Author: Xuan Shiying
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: With the continuous in-depth research and development of science and technology, medical science has also been rapidly advancing. The mechanisms of occurrence for digestive system diseases have been constantly making new breakthroughs, leading to progress in the understanding of certain diseases. In the pharmacological treatment of digestive system diseases, new theories and methods have emerged. For example, in the late 1980s, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were developed, which specifically target the final step of gastric acid secretion—the H+K+-ATPase—thereby enhancing and prolonging the antisecretory effect. This significantly improved the healing of peptic ulcers and reduced the risk of complications. Additionally, further insights have been gained into the mechanism of gastric parietal cell acid secretion. Similarly, the use of PPIs has demonstrated excellent efficacy in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), making them a crucial medication in the diagnostic and treatment protocols.
In the pharmaceutical field, the current common method for obtaining a single enantiomer is the resolution of racemates, from which a single enantiomer with a purity of up to 95% can be obtained. However, this resolution process often involves multiple intermediate steps, leading to product loss and relatively high costs. The use of asymmetric catalysis is now the most important method for obtaining single enantiomers. In 2001, K. Barry Sharpless, William Knowles, and Ryoji Noyori were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry precisely for their research in this area, which led to the development of "chiral" drugs.
Over the years, medical professionals have studied the occurrence and progression of gastrointestinal dysfunction, leading to the development of prokinetic drugs. This has further deepened the understanding of gastrointestinal motility disorders and allowed clinicians to resolve previously unexplained issues, significantly advancing the recognition of pathogenic mechanisms and clinical efficacy for these conditions. In the treatment of ulcerative colitis, the emergence of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) has greatly reduced drug side effects. With the rapid development of such therapeutic drugs, medical professionals, especially middle-aged and young ones, face a wide array of medications and need to expand their pharmacological knowledge. Clinicians should clearly understand the potential effects of these drugs when administering them to patients. To use medications rationally and achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes, medical professionals must master the fundamental theories of pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, indications, and adverse reactions.
Similarly, pharmacologists must also understand the clinical efficacy of drugs. This book is divided into 10 chapters, providing a comprehensive discussion of the main drugs used to treat common digestive system diseases. It elaborates in detail on the pharmacological effects while objectively evaluating clinical application methods and experiences, aiming to fully reflect the progress in the pharmacological treatment of digestive system diseases worldwide and the emerging theories of disease occurrence. It also compiles clinical practices from experts, closely integrating theory with practice.
In the final chapter, the book covers drug metabolism in the liver and important considerations, further enriching its content and striving for completeness. At the beginning of each chapter, there is an overview of the disease to provide a general understanding, enabling better clinical application of the medications discussed.