Clinical Pharmacology of Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension is an increase in pressure in the portal vein and its tributaries. It is defined as a portal pressure gradient (the difference in pressure between the portal vein…
GASTROENTEROLOGY
New Pharmacologic Therapies in Chronic Hepatitis B
Approximately 350 million persons worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B, which can result in cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, 2 interferons and 5 nucleos(t)ide analogues have been…
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Peginterferon and Ribavirin: Implications for Clinical Efficacy in the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C
The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of standard interferon alfa-2a and interferon alfa-2b are substantially altered by pegylation. The size, geometry, and site of attachment of the PEG moiety affect the pharmacokinetics…
The Gastrointestinal Complications of Oncologic Therapy
A spectrum of oncologic treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and molecular targeted therapies is available to combat cancer. These treatments are associated with adverse effects in several organ systems including the…
Targeted Therapeutic Agents for Colorectal Cancer
The treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) has evolved substantially during the past decade with the advent of molecular targeted therapies. Inhibitors to the vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth…
New Pharmacologic Therapies for Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Successful treatment of unresectable and metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) requires the thoughtful choice of systemic therapy as a component of a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. The role of somatostatin analogues…
Clinical Pharmacology of 5-ASA Compounds in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Mesalamine has been the first-line of therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) since the 1960s. This article serves as a review of the different 5-aminosalicylic acid compounds, release…
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Monoclonal Antibodies in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Clinical Practice Pharmacology
In the last 10 years, anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapy has become a cornerstone in the management of autoimmune diseases. Clinical trial data have consistently found that infliximab, adalimumab, and…
The Safety of Drugs Used in Acid-related Disorders and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Medicines are frequently used in the management of acid-related disorders and functional gastrointestinal disorders. With the exception of complicated peptic ulcer disease, these disorders are not associated with appreciable mortality….
Pharmacologic Aspects of Eradication Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infection
The commonly used regimens for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection consist of administration of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and 1 to 3 antimicrobial agents, such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole,…
