73. Constipation + Diarrhea Flashcards
Medical conditions that can cause constipation
IBS (constipation-predominant)
Anal disorders (fissures, fistulae, rectal prolapse)
Multiple sclerosis
CV events
Parkinson disease
Spinal cord tumors
DM
Hypothyroidism
When constipation persists for several weeks or longer, and cause is unknown, it is termed ____
chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
Idiopathic constipation a/w chronic or recurrent abdominal discomfort that is relieved by defecation is termed ____
IBS with constipation (IBS-C)
T/F: Non-drug treatments are preferred for constipation
True
What are non-drug treatments for constipation?
Increasing fluid intake (64oz daily recommended)
Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake (to avoid dehydration)
Increasing physical activity
Eating foods high in fiber is useful
Common side effects of drugs used for constipation
Diarrhea and abdominal cramping
What type of drug is first-line for constipation?
Bulk forming drugs (e.g. fiber like psyllium)
What type of drug is treatment of choice for constipation in pregnant pts?
Bulk forming drugs (e.g. fiber like psyllium)
How do osmotics work for constipation?
contain large ions or molecules that are poorly absorbed, draw fluid into bowel which distends the colon and increases peristalsis
Why are stimulants and stool softeners often given together in pts using opioids?
Opioids cause constipation
Stimulants = push
Stool softener like docusate = makes easier to push
Why are pts on iron supplements also on docusate?
Iron supplements make stool hard, docusate softens stool
How do lubricants like mineral oil work for constipation?
Coat bowel and stool with waterproof film, keeps moisture in the stool and makes pooping easier
Key drugs that are constipating
Antacids (aluminum, calcium containing)
Antidiarrheals
Clonidine
Colesevelam
Anticholinergic drugs: antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine), antispasmodics (e.g. baclofen), phenothiazines (e.g. prochlorperazine), TCAs (e.g. amitriptyline), incontinence drugs (e.g. oxybutynin)
Iron
Non-DHP CCBs (esp verapamil)
Opioids
Sucralfate (contains aluminum complex)
Which OTCs do you recommend for constipation in most adults?
Fiber
Which OTCs do you recommend for iron-induced/hard-stool constipation?
Stool softener (e.g. docusate) or bulk-forming drug
Which OTCs do you recommend for opioid-induced constipation?
Stimulant (e.g. senna, bisacodyl) or osmotic (e.g. PEG) laxative
Which OTCs do you recommend for constipation in pregnant pts?
Fiber
Which OTCs do you recommend for constipation in pts that need fast relief?
Adults: bisacodyl or glycerin (more gentle) suppository)
Children: glycerin suppository
Examples of bulk forming drugs used for constipation
Psyllium (Metamucil)
Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
Wheat dextrin (Benefiber)
Side effects of bulk forming drugs used for constipation
Flatulence, abd cramping, bloating
what is a counseling point for bulk forming drugs used for constipation?
adequate fluids are required
FiberCon has calcium, caution with binding drug interactions
Examples of osmotic drugs used for constipation
Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
Polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLax)
Glycerin
Lactulose (Constulose, Enulose)
Sodium phosphates (Fleet Enema)
Side effects of osmotic drugs used for constipation
Electrolyte imbalance, abd cramping
What is a concern with use of magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)?
Caution with renal impairment and do not use if severe renal impairment
Lactulose is commonly used for ____
hepatic encephalopathy
Examples of stimulant drugs used for constipation
Senna (Senokot, Ex-Lax)
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
When should oral stimulants used for constipation be taken?
Bedtime to induce bwoel movement int he morning