Constipation Flashcards
List the Bulk Laxatives
Dietary Fiber
Psyllium (metamucil)
Bulk Laxatives
MOA
Increase stool weight, bringing in more water and activating peristalsis
Effective within 12-24 hours (max several days)
Bulk Laxatives
Adverse Effects
Flatulence
Requires increased fluid intake or else they will become even more constipated
Osmotic Laxatives
What are the big 3 categories?
Nonabsorbable sugars
Saline and magnesium salts
Polyethylene glycol
List the Nonabsorbable Sugars used as osmotic laxatives
Sorbitol
Lactulose
Nonabsorbable Sugars
MOA
Help liquid enter stool via osmosis, increasing osmotic pressure and acidifying the stool
Nonabsorbable Sugars
Adverse Effects
Bloating
Cramps
Flatulence
“Sickly” sweet tase
Nonabsorbable Sugars
Indication
Constipation
Works after a day or two to reach full effectiveness
List the Saline and Magnesum Salts
Magnesium citrate
Magnesium hydroxide (MOM)
Sodium phosphate
Saline and Magnesium Salts
MOA
Osmotically active particles enter gut and pull fluid into stool. Stimulates intestinal activaity
Magnesium may also stimulate CCK to push gut forward and cause peristalsis
Saline and Magnesium Salts
Adverse Effects and Contraindications
Bowel Obstruction
Dehydration
Electrolyte abnormalities
- do NOT use in renal failure; be careful with CHF and liver failure
What is a specific adverse effect that comes with Sodium Phosphate agents?
Acute phosphate nephropathy
- Intratubular deposition of Calcium and Phosphorous
- Happens in sick people with lots of comorbidities
Magnesium Citrate and Sodium Phosphate
Indications
Bowel preps (for colonoscopies, surgeries)
Magnesium hydroxide (MOM)
Indications
Constipation
Polyethylene Glycol
Indications
Depends on dose taken. Small doses are good for constipation, while large doses (4L) are used for bowel prep.