ulcerogenic

Ulcerogenic is an adjective used in medicine to describe substances or factors that are capable of causing ulcers, particularly peptic ulcers of the stomach or duodenum. An ulcerogenic agent damages the gastric or duodenal mucosa either by irritating the mucosa, increasing acid or other irritants, or by impairing the mucosal defenses that normally protect the lining.

Mechanisms include direct mucosal irritation, increased gastric acid secretion, and inhibition of protective prostaglandin synthesis, which reduces mucus and bicarbonate production and can impair mucosal blood flow and healing. Many ulcerogenic agents act through several pathways.

Common ulcerogenic agents include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which inhibit cyclooxygenase and decrease protective prostaglandins. Corticosteroids may enhance ulcer risk when used with NSAIDs. Other examples include certain oral bisphosphonates, iron supplements, potassium chloride tablets, excessive alcohol, tobacco, and in some settings stress or severe illness.

Clinical significance: recognizing ulcerogenic potential helps guide medication choices and risk mitigation, especially in patients with prior ulcers, H. pylori infection, or other risk factors. Management often involves minimizing exposure to known ulcerogenic agents, employing gastroprotective strategies when needed, and addressing modifiable risk factors.

See also: peptic ulcer disease, gastric ulcer, mucosal defense, NSAIDs, prostaglandins.