Constipation Flashcards
Causes of constipation
Lack of fibre
Lack of fluids
Meds
Medical conditions
Pregnancy
What drugs cause constipation
Very Old ANTIs get constipation *
Verapamil
Opioids - morphine, codeine
Iron supplements
Aluminium based antacids
Sedating ANTIHISTAMINES- diphenhydramine, promethazine
ANTIMUSCARINICS - trospium, oxybutynin, atropine
Antidepressants
Antiepileptics
What conditions cause constipation
IBS, diverticular, hypothyroidism, anaemia
Why Does pregnancy cause constipation
Yes
Hormonal changes and baby getting bigger
Constipation red flags
Unexplained weight loss - cancer
Continuous fatigue- anaemia
Black, red tarry stools - gastric ulcer
Blood in stool - cancer/ gastric ulcer
Clay like stools- Hepatotoxicity
New onset constipation 50+yrs
Undiagnosed Abdominal pain
Constipation treatment
BOSS
- Lifestyle
- Bulk forming ( stericulia, isphagula,methyl cellulose, bran)
- Osmotic ( macrogol, lactulose)
- Stimulant ( senna, bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate, glycerol suppository, co -danthramer)
- Softeners (liquid paraffin)
Whats ‘other drugs’ used in chronic constipation in adults
Linactolide
Prucalopride
Docusate
Which laxative is both a bulk forming and softener
Methyl cellulose
Which laxative is a stimulant and softener
Docusate
Bulk forming laxatives MOA
increases bulk of stool
Onset of bulk forming laxatives
2-3 days
Whys it important to maintain adequate fluids with bulk forming laxatives
To prevent intestinal or oesophageal obstruction
Stimulant laxatives MOA
Increases intestinal motility
Which laxatives are used in constipation in terminally ill patients only and why
Co-danthramer
Co- danthrusate
Colour urine red
And its carcinogenicity
Which laxatives colour urine red
Co danthramer
Co danthrusate
Which laxative colours urine red/brown
Senna
Which laxatives need to be avoided in intestinal obstruction
Stimulants and bulk forming
Stimulant laxatives SE
Abdominal discomfort, flatulence
Onset of stimulant laxatives
6 - 12 hours
Stimulant suppository onset
20-60 minutes
Abuse of laxatives can cause which electrolyte imbalance
Hypokalaemia