Constipation And Laxatives/antidiarrheal Agents Flashcards

1
Q

Diarrhea acute vs chronic

A

Acute:

  • lasts less than 4 days
  • predominantly caused by infectious agents

Chronic:

  • symptoms persist for 3 weeks in children/adults to 4 weeks in infants
  • caused by infectious organisms/food intolerance/drugs/IBD
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2
Q

Why does bile-salt-binding resins work for diarrhea?

A

It is believed that malabsorption of bile salts may cause diarrhea
- draws water into colonic lumen

is believed to be tied to Crohn’s disease, gallbladder surgery and surgical resection of colon

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3
Q

What are the two opiod agonists that have highest potential for abuse?

A

Diphenoxylate and difenoxin
- both can cross blood brain barrier at high doses

  • both should be used with atropine combo therapy to reduce abuse potential*
  • this does cause dry mouth though
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4
Q

Constipation most common causes

A

Failure to respond to defecating urges chronically

Inadequate fiber in diet

Inadequate fluid intake

Weakness of abdominal muscles

Inactivity and bed rest

Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids

Narcotics/anticholinergic agents/CCBs/diuretics/calcium/iron supplements/aluminum antacids

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5
Q

Laxatives that result in soft or semi fluid stool within 6-12 hrs

A

Oral bisacodyl

Magnesium sulfate

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6
Q

Laxatives that cause watery evacuation in 1-6 hrs

A

Magnesium citrate

Magnesium hydroxide

Magnesium sulfate

Senna

Rectal bisacodyl

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