Review article: exploring strategies to improve treatment outcomes and compliance in specific patient groups with acid–related disorders

Abstract

Specific patient groups consisting of those with nasogastric or gastrostom feeding tubes such as those with stroke neurological impairment or other etiologies, patients with difficulty swallowing (i.e. oral pharyngeal dysfunction), unconscious patients and children who dislike or refuse taking or cannot swallow tablets require special attention with regard to the pharmacological treatment of acid-related disorders.

In particular, these groups of patients require special formulations in order to achieve optimal compliance with acid suppression therapy. Formulations such as the syrup histamine (H₂)-receptor antagonist in a syrup formulation, or for proton pump inhibitors, either the multiple unit pellet capsules, fast dissolving tablets or intravenous formulations, can be used to overcome swallowing problems or bitter taste.