Mucosal Protective Agents

Due to acidic noxious environment which is present in the gastric lumen, gastric mucosa has evolved several mechanisms that enhance its defense. Nevertheless, in some pathological conditions and in drug-induced gastric injury, this defense barrier is disturbed. Mucosal protective agents are group of drugs synthesized and administered in order to recover the balance of protective and noxious factors in gastric lumen, and protect the gastric mucosa from severe forms of injury. Although, there are other, more often used drugs for this purpose that are preferred in clinical practice, in some cases, mucosal protective agents are first-line therapy. Misoprostol, sucralfate and bismuth are capable of enhancing mucosal defense through various mechanisms. However, these agents may cause numerous side effects as well. Therefore, before administering these drugs to patients, clinicians have to calculate risk and benefit ratio for the patient and make an adequate decision.