Effects of Drugs on Gastric Function

Salicylates

The primary offenders are salicylates, alone or in combination with other analgesics, antacids, opiates, or steroids. The inflammatory action of salicylates in the stomach of susceptible persons can result in mild dyspepsia to massive hemorrhage. Aspirin is widely used to prevent cardiac disease and polyp formation in the GI tract. The potential for bleeding is dose related, but in some persons, even small doses (81 mg) may lead to bleeding tendencies.

Caffeine

Although it is a common component of headache remedies and is responsible for the widespread use of coffee and tea, caffeine is a gastric irritant and a stimulant of gastric secretion and gastric motility. Beverages containing caffeine, which also include most sodas containing cola, have the same effect as the pure xanthine preparation. A cup of coffee contains 100 to 150 mg of caffeine. Teas have even larger amounts. The amount of caffeine in the beverage varies with the brewing process and amount ingested.

Theophylline and its water-soluble salt aminophylline are closely related to caffeine and have similar effects but are used effectively in bronchospasm.