Cytoprotectant

A cytoprotectant is any medication that combats ulcers not by reducing gastric acid but by increasing mucosal protection.

Drugs that work in this manner include carbenoxolone, deglycyrrhizinised liquorice, sucralfate (aluminium hydroxide and sulphated sucrose), misoprostil (a prostaglandin analogue) and bismuth chelate (tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate). Pregnant women should avoid as they can cause miscarriages. Misoprostil is used in South Africa as an abortifacent, despite not being registered for this use.

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