Cytoprotectant

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

Additional recommended knowledge

Guide to balance cleaning: 8 simple steps

Recognize and detect the effects of electrostatic charges on your balance

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

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.