Bowel Disorder Medications

Question 1

Anti-Diarrheal Medication

Answer 1

-Used to treat diarrhea by slowing GI motility
-side effects: Dizziness, drowsiness, constipation
-Contra: Bloody diarrhea or diarrhea asso. with pathogens
-Ex: Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
Activated Charcoal
Loperamide (Immodium)

*NI: Monitor for s/s of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
Monitor VS, I&O
Check abdomen for tenderness, distention, bowel sounds, masses

Question 2

Anticholinergic Medications

Answer 2

• Used to treat urinary incontinence, Overactive Bladder (OAB). Can also slow down fecal matter.
• Side effects: dry mouth, constipation, dec sweat/saliva, trouble urinating
• Ex: Belladonna Alkaloids

Question 3

Opiates

Answer 3

• Used in more severe cases
• Used for dec bowel motility and reduce pain by relief of rectal spasms
• Side effects: constipation, upset stomach, dizziness, stomach pains
• Ex: Opium Tincture, Paregoric, Codeine, OTC Loperamide, Diphenoxylate

Question 4

Probiotics (Intestinal Flora)

Answer 4

-Used for maintaining healthy balance in the body
-Side effects: Gas, Bloating, Constipation, Thirst
-Ex: Lactobacillus Acid Ophilus
Bifidobacterium

Question 5

Bulk-Forming Laxatives

Answer 5

-Used for constipation; surgical preps
-Side Effects: Electrolyte Imbalance, Bloating, Minor Bowel Changes
-Ex: Psyllium (Metamucil)
Methylcellulose (Citrucel)

Question 6

Stool Softeners (Emollient)

Answer 6

-Used for constipation; surgical preps
-Side Effects: Electrolyte Imbalance, Stomach Cramps
-Ex: Docusate Sodium (Colace)
Mineral Oil (Lubricant)

Question 7

Hyper-osmotic Laxative

Answer 7

-Used for constipation; surgical preps
-Side Effects: Electrolyte Imbalance, Cramps, Rectal Irritation, Abdominal Bloating
-Ex: Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Sorbitol (Arlex)
Glycerin (Fleet Suppositories)

Question 8

Saline Laxatives

Answer 8

-Used for constipation; surgical preps
-Side Effects: Electrolyte Imbalance, diarrhea, stomach cramps, chalky taste
-Ex: Milk of Magnesia (MOM)
Magnesium Citrate

Question 9

Stimulant Laxatives

Answer 9

-Used for constipation; surgical preps
-Side Effects: Electrolyte Imbalance, Discolored urine, rectal irritation
-Ex: Senna (senokot)
Bisacodyl (dulcolax)
*Take Dulcolax with water (milk/juice interact)