ABSTRACT
Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, stimulates acid secretion, and reduces the gastric mucosal barrier to hydrogen ion back-diffusion. These actions may result in esophagitis, acute gastritis, and ulcer formation. Although excessive alcohol consumption commonly produces acute and chronic pancreatitis, and pathogenesis is unclear.
Subject(s)
Alcoholism/complications , Gastrointestinal Diseases/etiology , Alcoholism/physiopathology , Esophageal Diseases/etiology , Ethanol/pharmacology , Gastroesophageal Reflux/complications , Humans , Intestinal Absorption/drug effects , Intestine, Small/drug effects , Pancreas/drug effects , Pancreatic Juice/metabolism , Rupture, Spontaneous/etiology , Stomach Diseases/etiology , Vomiting/complicationsABSTRACT
An online computer-based system to monitor prospectively for potential drug interactions in a hospital setting is described. The system, developed at Stanford University Medical Center, is fully operational and is used to inform pharmacists, nurses and physicians as to the severity and speed of onset of potential drug interactions. In addition, the system can produce prescription labels and patient-drug profiles for the pharmacy and serves as a retrieval source of drug interaction information. Each report provides information regarnding the pharmacological effect and mechanism of the interactions, as well as statements involving relevant clinical findings associated with these interactions.
