Constipation Flashcards
PSYLLIUM: Metamucil: Bulk-forming Laxative
Treatment/ Prevention Onset 12-24 H
Adult and Children ≥12 y of age, 2.5-30 g soluble fiber po per day in divided doses;
Children 6-11 y of age, 1.5-15 g soluble fiber po per day in divided doses;
Children <6 y of age, use not recommended.
Powdered products are generally dissolved in water before administration
Powder, Powder Packets, Wafer, Oral Capsule: 520 mg soluble fiber
Diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, constipation
Addition of dietary fiber (eating foods high in fiber), as well as other lifestyle interventions, (increasing exercise, intake of water) should accompany the use of this product for constipation. Avoid inhaling dust from product. Dissolve product in at least 240 mL of water or juice. Separate dosing of psyllium and other medications by 2 h. Generally, produces bowel movement within 12-24 h, but may require as long as 72 h to be effective.
CALCIUM POLYCARBOPHIL: Fibercon: Bulk-forming Laxative
Treatment/ Prevention Onset 12-24 H
Adults and Children ≥12 y of age, 1250 mg po 1-4 times/d;
Children 6-11 y of age, 625 mg po 1-4 times/d;
Children <6 y of age, use not recommended
Tablet: 625 mg
Diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, constipation
Addition of dietary fiber (eating foods high in fiber), as well as other lifestyle interventions (increasing exercise, intake of water), should accompany the use of this product for constipation. Oral rehydration therapy for mild, uncomplicated diarrhea must accompany treatment with polycarbophil, and each dose must be taken with 240 mL of water. As a laxative, symptom relief generally occurs within 12-24 h, but may require as long as 72 h. May interfere with absorption of some medications, so advise patients to separate administration times.
WHEAT DEXTRIN: Benefiber: Bulk-forming Laxative
Treatment/ Prevention Onset 12-24 H
Adult and Children ≥12 y of age, 3 g soluble fiber (any dosage form) po up to 3 times/d;
Children 6-11 y of age, 1.5 g soluble fiber (powder dosage form) po up to 3 times/d;
Children <6 y of age, use not recommended
Diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence
Powder, Powder Packets, Oral tablet Chewable tablet
Addition of dietary fiber (eating foods high in fiber), as well as other lifestyle interventions (increasing exercise, intake of water), should accompany the use of this product for constipation. Dissolve product in 120-240 mL of hot or cold beverage (coffee, water, or juice); do not mix with carbonated beverages. May be mixed in soft foods (applesauce, pudding) or cooked into recipes. Tablets should be swallowed with liquid. Generally, produce bowel movement within 12-24 h, but may require as long as 72 h to be effective.
DOCUSATE: Colace: Emollient Laxative
Prevention/Onset 1-3 days
Adults and Children ≥12 y of age: 50-200 mg (sodium) po daily in 1 or 2 divided doses or 240 mg po daily (calcium);
Children 6-12 y of age: 40-120 mg po daily in 1 to 4 divided doses (sodium);
Children 3-6 y of age: 20-60 mg po daily in 1 to 4 divided doses (sodium);
Children <3 y of age: 10-40 mg po daily in 1 to 4 divided doses (sodium)
Abdominal cramps, bitter taste
Capsule, Chewable Tablet, Syrup, Liquid, Tablet
Lifestyle interventions (increasing exercise, intake of water and dietary fiber) generally first-line management of constipation. May require several days of treatment before stool softening is noticeable. Discontinue and contact HCP if rectal bleeding occurs or bowel movement fails to occur after appropriate use. Do not use with products containing mineral oil.
MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE: Milk of Magnesia: Saline Laxative
Treatment/Onset 30 min-3 h
Adult and Children ≥12 y of age, 2400-4800 mg po once at bedtime;
Children 6-11 y of age, 1200-2400 mg po once at bedtime;
Children 2-5 y of age, 400-1200 mg po once at
bedtime;
Children <2 y of age, not recommended
Diarrhea
Tablet, Chewable Tablet , Oral Suspension
Lifestyle interventions (increasing exercise, intake of water, and dietary fiber) are generally first-line management of constipation. Take product with 240 mL of water.
SODIUM PHOSPHATE ENEMA: Fleet Enema:Saline Laxative
Treatment/Onset < 1h
Adult and Children >12 y of age, contents of one 118 mL enema as a single dose pr daily, not to exceed 1 enema per day;
Children 6-12 y of age, contents of one 59 mL enema as a single dose pr daily, not to exceed 1 enema per day; Children 2-5 y of age, one-half of the contents of one 59 mL enema as a single dose pr daily, not to exceed 1 enema per day
Bloating, cramping, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
Lifestyle interventions (increasing exercise, intake of water, and dietary fiber) generally first-line management of constipation. Use care to administer the correct volume in younger children. Do not use >1 enema per day.
SENNOSIDES: Ex-Lax, Senokot:Stimulant Laxative
Treatment/ Onset 6-12 h
Adults and Children ≥12 y of age, 8.6-15 mg po once daily, max 70-100 mg/d po in 2 divided doses;
Children 6-12 y of age, 8.6 mg po daily, max 50 mg po daily;
Children 2-6 y of age, 3.75 mg po daily, max 15 mg po daily
Abdominal cramps, urine discoloration
Tablet,Chewable Tablet,Syrup, Liquid
Lifestyle interventions (increasing exercise, intake of water and dietary fiber) are generally first-line management of constipation. Often administered at bedtime (“dose in the PM for a BM in the AM”)
BISACODYL: Dulcolax:Stimulant Laxative
Treatment/ Onset 6-12 h oral // 15-60 min Rectally
Children ≥12 y of age and Adults, 5-15 mg po or 10 mg pr in a single dose (higher dose may be used for more complete evacuation prior to diagnostic or surgical procedures);
Children >2 and <12 y of age, 5 mg po or pr once; Children <2 y of age, use not recommended
Abdominal cramps
EC Tablet, Rectal Enema, Rectal Suppository
To protect the enteric coating, do not chew, split, or crush tablet and do not administer within 1 h of any dairy product or antacid. Lifestyle interventions (increasing exercise, intake of water [6-8 glasses/d] and dietary fiber, and toileting habits) are first-line management of constipation and should be tried before stimulant laxatives for chronic constipation.
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 3350: MiraLax: Hyperosmotic Laxative
Treatment/ Prevent Onset 1-3 Days
17 g of powder (1 packet or approximately 1 heaping tablespoon) dissolved in 120-240 mL of beverage, po daily; do not use for >1 wk unless directed by HCP (Children >2 y): 1-1.5 g/kg/d up to 17 g daily dissolved in liquid for no >3 d unless directed by HCP
Anal irritation, bloating, epigastric fullness, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, flatulence
Lifestyle interventions (increasing exercise, intake of water and dietary fiber) are generally first-line management of constipation. May dissolve MiraLax in juice, soda, coffee, or tea in addition to water.
