Antidiarrheal Drugs and Laxatives Flashcards
Based on their actions, antidiarrheals can broadly be divided into 4 main groups, can you name them?
1) Opiates and opiate-related agents, 2) Somatostatin analogues, Adsorbents 4) Bulk-forming agents
What is a primary goal of antidiarrheal medications?
Regardless of the cause, it is to prevent dehydration and decrease peristalsis
There are several types of diarrhea, can you name them?
Viral, Bacterial, Parasitic, or non-infectious
What are two commonly used antidiarrheal medications?
1) Loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium) & Diphenoxylate and atropine sulfate (lomotil
What are the routes of administration
PO ( orally)
What are adverse effects of an antidiarrheal Rx?
Constipation, CNS & Respiratory depression (if combined with other CNS depressants)
Loperamide with high doses has a boxed warning what can happen with high doses ?
Sudden death
Which antidiarrheal Rx can be given PO, SQ, IM or IV?
Octreotide ( Sanodstatin)
When is Octreotide used or the indication?
For diarrhea caused by bacteria-Salmonella, Shigell or E-coli, or Clostridiodes
What are the contraindications for Opiates and opiate-related agents for diarrhea? Specific- Diphenoxlate and Difenoxin
Children < 4 yeas & older adults, & persons with Narrow angle glaucoma
What are important patient or client teaching about antidiarrheals?
Explain the purpose of the Rx, take as directed, Contact the provider if diarrhea persists > 48 hours, can cause dizziness so do not take with tranquilizers, sedatives, ETOH or other opioids.
Patient education is important for those taking Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) what should patients know***
May cause black stools and a dark tongue *** do not take with other salicylates
What are the main types of laxatives?
Bulk-formin Osmotic, Stimulant, & Stool Softener
What is the pathophysiology of diarrhea?
Passing three or more stools a day (or more frequent).
Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of child mortality and morbidity throughout the world, due to what?
Dehydration
When severe dehydration occurs, then assess for dehydration and what?
Electrolyte Imbalances
Dehydration is especially a concern for what age groups?
infants, children & > adults 65
Nurses can teach patient or clients with diarrhea other nonpharmacological interventions such as replacing fluids and electrolytes by drinking water, sodas without caffeine, and eating soft bland food like what?
Bananas, rice & toast
What is a nursing responsibility while administering a laxative?
Assess for the potential cause of constipation, do an ABD. Assessment that includes discomfort, distension, and decreased bowel sounds
Before administering laxatives and stool softeners, always asses what?
Asses and Ask the patient’s or client’s recent stool characteristics
