Constipation & Diarrhea Flashcards
What’s the tx duration for constipation, as per FDA?
OTC laxatives should be limited to 7 days unless under medical supervision
What’s constipation?
Infrequent or hard stools or difficulty passing stools
No bowel movements after more than 3 days
What’s the recommended first-line tx for constipation?
Bulk-forming laxatives that contain either;
Psyllium
Methylcellulose or
Polycarbophil
What’s another commonly used laxative?
Stool softener (Docusate)
What’s the stool softener (Docusate) especially helpful for?
Iron-induced constipation
Bcuz iron causes compact, hard stools which are difficult to pass
List medical conditions where constipation is common
Cerebrovascular events
Parkinson dx
Spinal cord tumors
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Multiple sclerosis
Irritable bowel syndrome (constipation-predominant)
Anal disorders (anal fissures, fistulae, rectal prolapse)
List main meds that are constipating
Opioids
Anticholinergic drugs
Verapamil
Iron (use Docusate to avoid hard, compact stools)
List other meds that are constipating
Antihistamines, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, antispasmodics, urge incontinence drugs, esp darifenacin (Enablex)
Non-DHP CCBs
Clonidine
Bismuth
Aluminum antacids (Mg often in combo with Al to counter this effect)
Tramadol, tapentadol
Colesevelam
Milnacipran
Ranolazine
Varenicline
5-HT3 receptor antagonist e.g. Ondansetron
Phentermine/topiramate
Aripiprazole
What drugs are the worst offenders of constipation?
Opioids
Whats usually scheduled with an opioid?
A stimulant laxative (usually senna) is given first with or without stool softener (docusate)
What factors should a pharmacist dispensing opioids consider?
Dose
Frequency
Pt at baseline
What’s used if the pt is constipated now and req tx?
Options are different from those used to prevent
Lactulose
Sorbitol
Milk of magnesia (MOM)
Magnesium citrate
Polyethylene glycol
What’s does a successful colonoscopy entails?
Requires a complete and thorough bowel prep
Issues with sodium phosphate?
Sodium phosphate can cause:
Fluid and electrolyte abnormalities (particularly risky in pts with renal or cardiac dx)
Why do some bowel prep agents req MedGuide?
Because of fluid and electrolyte abnormalities
What types of pts should extra caution be used in wrt concurrent use of bowel prep agents?
Pts with cardiovascular dx
Renal insufficiency
Pts on diuretics (loops, due to additional fluid loss)
NSAIDs
What’s ok to consume prior to bowel prep?
“Clear liquid diet” ONLY
E.g. Water, clear beef/chicken broth, fat-free consommé, juices (Apple, prune, grape, cranberry and cider), coffee or tea (without milk or cream), clear gelatin (without fruit pieces), Popsicles (without fruit pieces or cream) fruit ices (no fruit pieces)
List bulk-producing laxatives
Psyllium (Metamucil, others)
Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon, others)
Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
What’s the brand name of Psyllium (bulk-producing laxatives)?
Metamucil
What’s the brand name of Calcium polycarbophil (bulk-producing laxatives)?
FiberCon
What’s the brand name of Methylcellulose (bulk-producing laxatives)?
Citrucel
What’s the first-line tx of constipation and drug of choice in pregnancy?
Bulk-producing laxatives:
Psyllium (Metamucil, others)
Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon, others)
Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
How should bulk-producing laxatives (Psyllium (Metamucil); Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon); Methylcellulose (Citrucel)) be used with other drugs?
2 hrs before/after drugs
List agents under emollients, lubricants (stool softeners)?
Docusate Sodium (Colace)
What’s the brand name of Docusate sodium (emollients, lubricants, stool softeners)?
Colace
What’s the caution when recommending agents?
Take caution when recommending pdts by brand name, as many brand names can refer to multiple pdts