Anti-ulcer agent

The term 'Anti-ulcer agent' refers to a broad pharmacological class of therapeutic compounds rather than a single molecular target. These agents are designed to treat and prevent peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by either inhibiting the secretion of gastric acid or enhancing the mucosal defense mechanisms (StatPearls, 2023). The primary physiological targets within this class include the H+/K+-ATPase proton pump, which serves as the final common pathway for acid secretion, and the Histamine H2 receptor, which mediates the stimulatory effects of histamine on parietal cells (PubMed, PMID: 30020646). Additionally, some anti-ulcer agents target the EP3 prostaglandin receptor to boost cytoprotective factors such as mucus and bicarbonate secretion. These drugs are critical in managing conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and preventing damage caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While highly effective, long-term use of acid-suppressing agents is associated with risks such as altered gut microbiota, reduced absorption of certain micronutrients, and potential kidney injury (NIH, 2021).

Other names

Gastric acid suppressantsUlcer-healing drugsGastroprotective agentsAnti-ulcer drugs

Anti-ulcer agents work through multiple mechanisms: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) irreversibly inhibit the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme in gastric parietal cells; H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) competitively block histamine-induced acid secretion; prostaglandin analogs like misoprostol stimulate mucus and bicarbonate production; and cytoprotective agents like sucralfate create a physical barrier over ulcerated tissue (StatPearls, 2023).