Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

Which medication is commonly prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and duodenal ulcers?

1. Prilosec (omeprazole)

2. Tagamet (cimetidine)

3. Alium (garlic extract)

4. Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)

The correct answer is: Prilosec (omeprazole)

The medication that is commonly prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and duodenal ulcers is Prilosec, which contains omeprazole. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. By inhibiting the proton pumps in the stomach lining, it effectively decreases gastric acidity, thereby providing relief from symptoms associated with GERD and promoting healing of ulcers. For conditions like GERD and ulcers, minimizing stomach acid is critical to alleviating discomfort and facilitating recovery. It is particularly effective for long-term management due to its ability to suppress acid secretion over an extended period with fewer doses. Other medications listed serve different purposes. Tagamet, while it is an H2 blocker that reduces acid production, is not the first-line treatment for these conditions compared to PPIs like omeprazole. Alium, as garlic extract, is not a recognized treatment for these gastrointestinal issues, and Pepto-Bismol serves more as a temporary remedy for mild digestive problems rather than a specific treatment for GERD or ulcers.