Constipation Drugs

Question 1

Bulking agents

Answer 1

Increase fecal size, increased pressure against intestinal walls resulting in greater peristalsis. SE: bowel obstruction, flatulence.

Question 2

Osmotic action laxatives

Answer 2

Increase water in the large intestine, leading to increased fecal size and increased peristalsis. SE: abdominal pain, flatulence.

Question 3

Fecal softeners

Answer 3

Increase fecal softness and help lubricate the intestinal walls using glycerol or paraffin.

Question 4

Intestinal Irritant Laxatives

Answer 4

Act in ENS increasing peristalsis, can permanently damage the ENS.

Question 5

Guanylate cyclase agonists

Answer 5

Increase cAMP, increase Cl in the intestines leading to increased water. Used to treat IBS. SE: diarrhea.

Question 6

5HT4 agonists

Answer 6

Increase Ach signaling, increases peristalsis. SE: diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea (5HT3 unspecific binding).

Question 7

Name 6 constipation drugs

Answer 7

Bulking agents, osmotic action laxatives, fecal softeners, intestinal irritant laxatives, guanylate cyclase agonists, 5HT4 agonists.