Which of the following medication classes is NOT indicated for treating gastric acid-related disorders?

Corticosteroids are not indicated for treating gastric acid-related disorders, which is why this option is the correct choice. H2 receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, and antacids are all specifically designed to manage conditions associated with excessive gastric acid production or secretion, such as peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

H2 receptor antagonists work by blocking histamine at the H2 receptor sites on parietal cells in the stomach, which leads to decreased production of gastric acid. Proton pump inhibitors block the proton pump (H+/K+ ATPase) in the gastric parietal cells, significantly reducing gastric acid secretion. Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid, helping to relieve symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

In contrast, corticosteroids primarily serve anti-inflammatory purposes and are not directly aimed at controlling gastric acid production or treating acid-related conditions. While they can have side effects on the gastrointestinal tract and may affect gastric lining and acid production indirectly, they are not used as a first-line treatment for gastric acid-related disorders. This distinction highlights the specific roles these medication classes play in the management of gastric acid conditions, making corticosteroids the outlier in this context.