A 62-year-old patient with arthritis is on daily naproxen therapy. Which medication is used to protect against GI complications?

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Multiple Choice

A 62-year-old patient with arthritis is on daily naproxen therapy. Which medication is used to protect against GI complications?

Explanation:
Naproxen is an NSAID that lowers protective prostaglandins in the stomach, making the gastric mucosa more vulnerable to acid and leading to ulcers. A prostaglandin analog can counteract this effect by replenishing protective prostaglandins, boosting mucus and bicarbonate production, and improving mucosal blood flow. Misoprostol is exactly this—a prostaglandin E1 analog—so it helps prevent NSAID-induced GI injury, which is why it’s the best option in this scenario. The other medications don’t provide mucosal protection: one is an anti-diarrheal, another an anti-inflammatory for bowel disease, and the last a prokinetic/antiemetic—none prevent NSAID-related gastric ulcers.

Naproxen is an NSAID that lowers protective prostaglandins in the stomach, making the gastric mucosa more vulnerable to acid and leading to ulcers. A prostaglandin analog can counteract this effect by replenishing protective prostaglandins, boosting mucus and bicarbonate production, and improving mucosal blood flow. Misoprostol is exactly this—a prostaglandin E1 analog—so it helps prevent NSAID-induced GI injury, which is why it’s the best option in this scenario. The other medications don’t provide mucosal protection: one is an anti-diarrheal, another an anti-inflammatory for bowel disease, and the last a prokinetic/antiemetic—none prevent NSAID-related gastric ulcers.

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