constipation & diarrhea

Question 1

Medication-Induced Constipation

Answer 1

• } Opiates
• } Antacids
• } Anticholinergics
• } Anticonvulsants
• } TCAs
• } Antihistamines
• } Antimotility
• } Antimuscarinics
• } Benzodiazepines
• } Calcium
• } Clonidine
• } Diuretics
• } Antispasmodics
• } Iron
• } Hyperlipidemia agents
• } Memantine (Namenda)
• } Parkinsonism agents
• } Psychotherapeutic drugs
• } Sedative hypnotics

Question 2

Clinical Presentation Constipation

Answer 2

• < 3 bowel movments/week (↓ freq)
• Straining
• Difficulty passing hard, dry stool
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Other symptoms:
  
  • } Anorexia
  • } Dull headache
  • } Low back pain
  • } Abdominal discomfort
  • } Bloating
  • } Psychosocial distress

Question 3

Exclusions Constipation SelfCare

Answer 3

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sudden change in bowel habits that persists for 2 weeks
• Use of laxative product >7 days unless under supervision of PCP
• Rectal bleeding or no bowel movement after laxative use at any time during treatment (stop laxative and seek medical evaluation)