Constipation Flashcards
What is the appropriate treatment for constipation?
Laxatives, propulsives and prokinetics
What are the three bulk forming agents?
Ispaghula husk (psylilium), sterculia, methylcellulose
What class of laxatives does this MOA describe? absorb fluid from GIT to form soft bulky stool and promote peristalsis
Bulk-forming agents
T or F: The indication for bulk forming agents is short term Tx of constipation
False. They are indicated for the long term prophylaxis and Tx of constipation, IBS-C and diverticular disease
What are the A/E of bulk-forming agents?
Abd. distension, cramps, flatulence
Caution with bulk-forming agents?
other meds should be taken 3 hours before or after; adequate fluid intake advised to avoid intestinal compaction
What are the different types of osmotic agents?
MgSO4, Mg(OH)2, lactulose, polyethelene glycol (PEG), glycerine, sodium phosphate, sorbitol
What is MOA of osmotic agents?
Draw water and electrolytes into the bowel visa osmotic action to increase water retention in stool and increase stool frequency (stimulate peristalsis)
When are osmotic agents Indicated?
acute and chronic constipation, bowel prep
Are there specific indications for lactulose?
Acute/chronic constipation, hepatic encephalopathy
T or F: the cautions for lactulose are headaches?
False, Cautions are pregnancy and lactation
When is lactulose CI?
galactosaemia, warfarin
What are the AE of lactulose?
flatulence, abd distention & cramping
What are the specific indications of polyethylene glycol (PEG)?
acute constipation, bowel prep
T or F: the C of PEG include, pts over 60 and unconcious pts
True
When is PEG CI?
GI obstruction, bowel perforation, toxic megacolon
What is the onset of action for PEG?
24-96 hrs
AE of PEG?
flatulence, abd distension & cramping, ulceration, ischaemic colitis
What is the indication for Magnesium salts?
Rapid bowel evacuation
Cautions for magnesium salts?
hypermagnessaemia, renal insufficiency
When is magnesium salts CI?
intestinal obstruction/perforation, undiagnosed abd pain, existing electrolyte imbalance, myocardial damage
T or F: the AE of Magnesium salts include electrolyte imbalance and abd cramps
True
T or F: specific indication of Sodium Phosphate include pre operative, radiography and endoscopic bowel evacuation
True
What are the cautions associated with sodium phosphate?
risk of phosphate nephropathy, severe dehydration, heart failure
The CI for Sodium phosphate is undiagnosed abd distension. T or F?
False. Sodium phosphate is CI in bowel obstruction/perforation
What are the AE of sodium phosphate?
electrolyte imbalance, bloating, nausea, abd pain
What drugs are stimulant laxatives?
Bisacodyl, Senna, Sodium picosulphate, Castor Oil
What is the MOA of Bisacodyl?
direct stimulation of intestinal SM, colonic intramural plexus. They increase peristalsis. They also increase intestinal fluid accumulation by altering water and electrolyte secretion
What is the onset of action of Bisacodyl?
6-8hrs