Ch.34 Drugs used to treat constipation & Diarrhea

Question 1

What is defined as Chronic constipation

Answer 1

Symptoms present for at least 3 months

Question 2

How long does it take for Stimulant laxatives to take effect?

Answer 2

They act directly on the intestine, causing an irritation that promotes evacuation of the bowel. If given orally, they act within 6-10 hrs. Rectally, 60-90 min.

Question 3

What are the drugs in the drug class: Laxatives used for?

Answer 3

To promote the evacuation of the bowel.

Question 4

What are 3 common laxatives?

Answer 4

Colace, Dulcolax, MiraLAX, Metamucil

Question 5

what are osmotic laxatives commonly used for?

Answer 5

Because they result in diarrhea, they work good at cleaning out the bowel for a colonoscopy or barium xray exam with no significant dehydration or loss of electrolytes.

Question 6

Saline laxatives are hypertonic compounds that draw water into the intestine from surrounding tissues. What occurs as a result of this?

Answer 6

The accumulated water affects the stool consistency and distends the bowel, causing peristalsis.

Question 7

How long does it take for saline laxatives to take effect?

Answer 7

Usually within 1 to 3hrs and up to 6hrs for sodium phosphates.

Question 8

Continued use of saline laxatives can significantly alter what?

Answer 8

Electrolyte balance and may also cause dehydration.

Question 9

How long does it take for lubricant laxatives to take effect?

Answer 9

Usually 6 to 8hrs but may be up to 48hrs depending on the pts normal GI transit time.

Question 10

What are some natural bulk-forming laxative products?

Answer 10

Fresh fruit, vegetables, and cereals such as wheat bran.

Question 11

Which laxative is considered the safest even when taken routinely?

Answer 11

Bulk forming

Question 12

What is the onset of action for bulk forming laxatives?

Answer 12

12 to 24hrs, but can be up to 72hrs depending on the pts normal GI transit time.

Question 13

When are Opioid Antagonist used?

Answer 13

For treatment of opioid-induced constipation.

Question 14

How should constipation in infants be treated?

Answer 14

With a malt soup extract, a bulk forming laxative.

Question 15

When are stool softeners routinely used for?

Answer 15

To prevent constipation or straining at stool especially in patients recovering from an MI or abdominal surgery.

Question 16

What are anti-diarrheal agents used for?

Answer 16

To treat sudden onset diarrhea, IBS, post GI surgery

Question 17

What are the two broad categories of anti diarrheal agents?

Answer 17

Locally acting agents and Systemic agents

Question 18

What are common Locally acting agents and how do they work?

Answer 18

Charcoal and pectin. They work by absorbing the excess water to cause a formed stool and absorb irritants or bacteria that are causing the diarrhea.

Question 19

How do the systemic agents work?

Answer 19

They act through the autonomic nervous system to reduce peristalsis and motility of the GI tract, allowing the mucosal lining to absorb nutrients, water, and electrolytes, leaving a formed stool.

Question 20

Osmotic and saline laxatives are Hypertonic compounds that draw___ into the intestine from surrounding tissues?

Answer 20

Water