Which medication is considered a synthetic prostaglandin E1 that is used to prevent NSAID-induced stomach ulcers?

Which medication is considered a synthetic prostaglandin E1 that is used to prevent NSAID-induced stomach ulcers?

• A. Fluticasone
• B. Celecoxib
• C. Hydroxychloroquine
• D. Misoprostol

Answer: (D)

NSAIDs can weaken the stomach’s defenses by lowering prostaglandin levels, which normally help protect the lining. A synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog is used to counteract that effect and guard the gastric mucosa. Misoprostol is exactly that drug: a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog that protects the stomach by increasing mucus and bicarbonate production, improving blood flow to the mucosa, and reducing acid secretion. It’s specifically indicated to prevent NSAID-induced ulcers. The other options don’t fit this role. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid used for inflammatory airway diseases, not for gastric cytoprotection. Celecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor NSAID and doesn’t provide mucosal protection via prostaglandin E1 analogs. Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial/DMARD with immunomodulatory effects, not related to gastric mucosal protection.

NSAIDs can weaken the stomach’s defenses by lowering prostaglandin levels, which normally help protect the lining. A synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog is used to counteract that effect and guard the gastric mucosa. Misoprostol is exactly that drug: a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog that protects the stomach by increasing mucus and bicarbonate production, improving blood flow to the mucosa, and reducing acid secretion. It’s specifically indicated to prevent NSAID-induced ulcers.

The other options don’t fit this role. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid used for inflammatory airway diseases, not for gastric cytoprotection. Celecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor NSAID and doesn’t provide mucosal protection via prostaglandin E1 analogs. Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial/DMARD with immunomodulatory effects, not related to gastric mucosal protection.