bowel disorder drugs Flashcards
diarrhea
abnormal passage of stool involving frequent fluidity and increased stool water excretion
ACUTE: suddenly in a normal patient; 3 days - 2 weeks
CHRONIC: more than 3/4 weeks; recurring passage resulting in fever, decreased weight, increased weakness
goals to treat diarrhea
stop stool frequency
relieve cramps
replenish F+E
prevent weight loss / nutritional deficiences
absorbents
antidiarrheal used for milder cases of diarrhea; coats stomach cavity and binds to the causative toxin, which is then eliminated through stool
ex: bismuth subsalicylate (pepto bismol)
adverse effects of absorbents
increased bleeding (darker stools)
constipation
confusion
tinnitus
metallic taste
blue tongue
absorbent drug reactions
decreases absorption of many drugs
increases bleeding time (WARFARIN CAUTION)
increased toxicity with methotrexate
probiotics
antidiarrheal used for antibiotic-induced diarrhea; supplies missing bacteria in GI tract and suppresses growth of diarrhea-causing organisms
ex: lactobacillus
anticholinergic and adverse effects
antimotility / diarrheal that treat more severe cases of diarrhea; decreases intestinal muscle tone and peristalsis, gives drying effects (dec. gastric secretions)
often used with absorbents + opiates
AE: decreased urinary retention / impotence, headaches, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, drowsy, dry skin / flushing, blurry vision, orthostatic hypotension, and tachycardia
ex: belladonna alkaloids
opiates
antimotility / diarrheal that decreased bowel motility and works as an analgesic for cramps / spasms; decreases transit time in bowel, which increases absorption of F+E
AE: respiratory depression, drowsiness, dec. BP, urinary retention, constipation, flushing
ex: codeine
implications and cautions for antidiarrheals
diet / bowel changes
I+Os
therapeutic affects
PEPTO BISMOL ➺ NOT for children with chickenpox / influenza
ANTICHOLINERGICS ➺ NOT for paralytic ileus, GI obstruction, myasthenia gravis, toxic megacolon
