Chapter 73: Constipation & Diarrhea Flashcards
Term for when constipation persists for several weeks or longer and the cause is unknown
Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
Idiopathic constipation associated with chronic or recurrent abdominal discomfort that is relieved by defacation if called
IBS with constipation (IBS-C)
Medical conditions that can cause constipation
IBS (constipation-predominant) Anal disorders (fissures, fistulae, rectal prolapse) Multiple sclerosis Cerebrovascular events Parkinson Disease Spinal cord tumors Diabetes Hypothyroidism
Key drugs that can cause constipation
Antacids (aluminum- and calcium-containing)
Clonidine
Colesevelam
Drugs with anticholinergic effects: antihistamines, antispasmodics (e.g., baclofen), phenothiazines (e.g., prochlorperazine), TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline)
Urge incontinence drugs (e.g., oxybutinin)
Iron
Non-DHP CCBs (esp verapamil)
Opioids
Sucralfate (contains an aluminum complex)
Most common SE of meds to reduce constipation
Diarrhea and abdominal cramping
First-line treatment in most cases of constipation
Bulk-forming drugs (e.g., soluble fiber such as psyllium)
Treatment of choice for constipation in pregnancy
Bulk-forming drugs
Which class of drugs does PEG fall under
Osmotics
Which class of drugs do senna and bisacodyl fall under
Stimulants
Patients using chronic opioids often require which class of drugs
Stimulant laxatives
Which stool softener can be given with a stimulant laxative if the stool is hard
Docusate
Which medication is usually needed in patients taking iron supplements since they make the stool hard and compact
Docusate
Which class of drugs does mineral oil fall under
Lubricants
What should be given to adults for fast relief of constipation
bisacodyl or glycerin suppository
What should be given to children for fast relief of constipation
glycerin suppository
When should a patient be referred to a healthcare provider for constipation
If no improvement in < 7 days
Psyllium brand name
Metamucil
Calcium polycarbophil brand name
FiberCon
Methylcellulose brand name
Citrucel
Wheat dextrin brand name
Benefiber
Side effects of bulk-forming drugs
Flatulence, abdominal cramping, bloating
Which bulk-forming drug must be separated from select drugs due to binding interaction
FiberCon (calcium polycarbophil)
Magnesium hydroxide brand name
Milk of Magnesia
Polyethylene Glycol brand name
MiraLax
Sodium phosphates brand name
Fleet enema
Side effects of osmotics
Electrolyte imbalance, abdominal cramping
Lactulose, an osmotic, is also used for
hepatic encephalopathy
Which osmotic drug must be used with caution in renal impairment
Milk of Magnesia
Senna brand name
Ex-Lax, Senokot
Senna + docusate brand name
Senna S, Senokot S
Bisacodyl brand name
Dulcolax
Stimulants such as senna and bisacodyl should be taken at what time of day
At bedtime to induce a bowel movement the following morning
Docusate brand name
Colace
When is docusate preferred
When straining should be avoided (postpartum, post-MI, anal fissures, hemorrhoids)