Quiz: Appropriate Gastroprotectant Use

Gastroprotectants, which include antacids and acid suppressants, are one of the most widely used classes of medications in veterinary medicine. Acid suppressants such as H₂-receptor antagonists (H₂RAs; eg, famotidine, ranitidine) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs; eg, omeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole) decrease the amount of hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach by either blocking gastric acid stimulators (H₂RAs) or inhibiting acid production directly at the gastric parietal cell interface (PPIs). In contrast, antacids neutralize the acid present in the stomach but do not stop future acid production. Because acid suppressants and antacids are inexpensive and readily available over-the-counter, inappropriate use of these drugs is of great concern. This quiz addresses common scenarios involving use of acid suppressants and antacids for the treatment of GI bleeding and injury in cats and dogs.