Which class of medication suppresses gastric acid secretions and is commonly used to treat GERD?

Which class of medication suppresses gastric acid secretions and is commonly used to treat GERD?

• A. Gastric acid-pump inhibitor
• B. Histamine H2 receptor blocker
• C. Antacid
• D. Prokinetic agent

Answer: (A)

Gastric acid-pump inhibitors, also known as proton pump inhibitors, suppress gastric acid secretion by blocking the final step of acid production in the stomach. They inhibit the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme on the parietal cells, irreversibly reducing both basal and stimulated acid output. Because of this direct, last-step blockade, they produce the strongest and longest-lasting acid suppression, which is why they’re commonly used to treat GERD and promote healing of esophagitis. Other options work differently: histamine H2 receptor blockers reduce acid by blocking histamine-stimulated secretion but are less potent; antacids neutralize existing acid without decreasing production; prokinetic agents help by improving gastric emptying to reduce reflux, not by suppressing acid secretion. Examples of the acid-suppressing class include omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, and lansoprazole.

Gastric acid-pump inhibitors, also known as proton pump inhibitors, suppress gastric acid secretion by blocking the final step of acid production in the stomach. They inhibit the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme on the parietal cells, irreversibly reducing both basal and stimulated acid output. Because of this direct, last-step blockade, they produce the strongest and longest-lasting acid suppression, which is why they’re commonly used to treat GERD and promote healing of esophagitis.

Other options work differently: histamine H2 receptor blockers reduce acid by blocking histamine-stimulated secretion but are less potent; antacids neutralize existing acid without decreasing production; prokinetic agents help by improving gastric emptying to reduce reflux, not by suppressing acid secretion. Examples of the acid-suppressing class include omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, and lansoprazole.