While waiting for a prescription to be filled, a patient at the pharmacy mentions that he is picking up a prescription to treat a painful peptic ulcer. He mentions that he is expecting a drug that will address the pain and is surprised when the pharmacist explains that the prescription is not for an analgesic.What type of drug has been prescribed for this peptic ulcer?
Answer
A
an antiemetic to stop the vomiting
B
a proton pump inhibitor to stop the burning
C
an anti-inflammatory to stop the swelling
D
an anticholinergic to stop the spasms
Explanation
Peptic ulcers are sores in the stomach or upper small intestine, and their burning pain is often worsened by stomach acid. A proton pump inhibitor reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces, allowing the ulcer to heal and easing the burning; it is not an analgesic that directly blocks pain. Therefore, the prescription is a proton pump inhibitor to stop the burning.
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