Constipation

Question 1

Psyllium

Answer 1

Metamucil
Dose: 2.5-30g of powder PO per day in divided doses
Used for treatment and prevention but better prevention

Question 2

Calcium Polycarbophil

Answer 2

Fibercon
Dose: 1250 mg PO up to QID
Used for treatment and prevention but better prevention

Question 3

Wheat Dextrin

Answer 3

Dose: 3g of fiber PO up to TID

Question 4

Bulk-forming Laxative

Answer 4

Psyllium
Calcium Polycarbophil
Wheat Dextrin

Question 5

Docusate

Answer 5

Colace
Dose: 50-360 mg PO in 1 or 2 divided doses or 240 mg PO QD
Used for prevention
Onset is 1-3 days
Emollient Laxative

Question 6

Magnesium Hydroxide

Answer 6

Milk of magnesia
Dose: 2400-4800 mg PO QD HS
Used for treatment
Onset is 30 minutes-3 hours PO, less than 1 hour PR

Question 7

Sodium phosphate enema

Answer 7

Fleet
Dose: contents of one 118mL enema as a single dose QD, do not exceed more than 1 per day
Onset is 2-15 minutes

Question 8

Saline Laxative

Answer 8

Magnesium Hydroxide
Sodium phosphate enema

Question 9

Sennoside

Answer 9

Senna
Dose: 8.6-15mg PO QD, max: 60-100mg per day in 2 divided doses
Onset is 6-12 h PO, 15-60 min PR

Question 10

Bisacodyl

Answer 10

Dose: 5-15 mg PO or 10 mg PR in a single dose
Onset is 6-12 h PO, 15-60 min PR

Question 11

Stimulant Laxative

Answer 11

Sennoside
Bisacodyl

Question 12

Polyethylene Glycol 3350

Answer 12

Miralax
Dose: 17g of powder dissolved in 120-240mL of beverage PO QD
Used for treatment or prevention, bowel prep
Onset is 1-3 days

Question 13

Glycerin

Answer 13

Dose: 3g PR
Used for treatment or prevention, bowel prep
Onset is 30 minutes

Question 14

Hyperosmotic Laxative

Answer 14

Polyethylene Glycol 3350
Glycerin