Bowel Disorder Drugs Flashcards
What are some of the adverse effects of the adsorbent group of antidiarrheal drugs?
1) Increased bleeding time
2) Constipation
3) Dark stools
4) Confusion
5) Tinnitus
6) Metallic taste
7) Blue gums
What are the four types of antidiarrheal drugs and how do they work (MOA)?
1) Adsorbents - Coats the walls of the GI tract and binds the causative bacteria or toxin to their adsorbent surface for elimination via stool.
2) Anti-Cholinergics - Slows peristalsis by reducing rhythmic contractions and smooth muscle tone of the GI tract.
3) Intestinal Flora Modifiers - Restores normal flora and suppresses growth of diarrhea causing bacteria.
4) Opiates - Reduces bowel motility and pain associated with diarrhea.
What are the specific indications of the 4 types of Antidiarrheal class of drugs?
1) Adsorbents - Mild diarrhea
2) Anticholinergics - Severe diarrhea
3) Opiates - Severe diarrhea
4) Intestinal Flora Modifiers - Antibiotic induced diarrhea
(T/F) Adsorbents can decrease the effectiveness of many drugs primarily by decreasing the absorption of certain drugs?
True
Which antidiarrheal drug can cause Reye’s Syndrome in children who have or are recovering from chicken pox?
Pepto bismol (an adsorbent)
What are the 5 major groups of laxatives (based on their MOA)?
1) Bulk-Forming
2) Emolients
3) Hyperosmotics
4) Saline
5) Stimulants
Describe the mechanism of action of an Emolient Laxative?
Emolient laxatives are fecal softeners that work by lowering the surface tension of GI fluids, so that more water and fat are absorbed into the stool and intestine. This expands the stool and promotes bowel distention and reflex peristaltic actions.
Describe the mechanism of action Hyperosmotic laxatives
Hyperosmotic laxatives work by increasing fecal water content which results in distention and increased peristalsis. Their site of action is limited to the large intestine.
Describe the mechanism of action Saline laxatives
Saline Laxative increase osmotic pressure in the small intestine by inhibiting water absorption and increasing both water and electrolyte secretions which results in a watery stool. The increased distention promotes peristalsis.
Describe the mechanism of action Bulk-Forming laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives act like fiber, they absorb water into the intestine, which increases bulk, distends the bowels and causes peristalsis.
Describe the mechanism of action Stimulant laxatives
Stimulant laxatives stimulate the nerves that innervate the intestines, resulting in increased peristalsis.
What are the 3 indications of Bulk-Forming laxatives?
1) Acute and chronic constipation
2) IBS
3) Diverticulosis
What are the 2 indications of Emolient laxatives?
1) Acute and chronic constipation
2) Anorectal conditions requiring facilitation of bowel movements
What are the 2 indications for Hyperosmotic laxatives?
1) Chronic constipation
2) Bowel prep for diagnostic and surgical procedures
What are the 2 indications for Saline laxatives?
1) Constipation
2) Bowel prep for diagnostic and surgical procedures
