Constipation medication (laxatives) Flashcards
Bulk forming laxatives
1) Name one of these
2) How do they work?
3) Which patients are they particularly useful for?
4) Name a side effect
1) Bran, ispaghula husk, methylcellulose and sterculia
2) Add bulk to stool meaning that peristalsis is triggered due to a larger mass in the bowel
3) Adults with small hard stools and fibre cannot be increased in the diet
4) Increased flatulence and abdominal bloating
Stimulant laxatives
1) Name 1 of these
2) How do they work?
3) Name a side effect
4) When should they be avoided?
1) Bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate, senna, co-danthramer and co-danthrusate
2) Increase intestinal motility by irritating the bowel mucosa to stimulate smooth muscle contractions, increasing peristalsis
3) Abdominal cramps
4) Intestinal obstruction
Faecal softeners
1) Name one of these
2) How do they work?
1) Docusate sodium, arachis oils and glycerol
2) Decrease surface tension and increase penetration of intestinal fluid into the faecal mass
Osmotic laxatives
1) Name one of these
2) How do they work?
1) Macrogols, lactulose
2) Increase the amount of water in the large bowel, either by drawing fluid from the body into the bowel or by retaining the fluid they were administered with
1) How does linaclotide work?
2) What is it used in the treatment of?
1) Increase intestinal fluid secretion and transit, and decreases visceral pain
2) IBS associated with constipation
What kind of drug is prucalopride/what is its MOA?
Selective serotonin 5HT4-receptor agonist
1) What laxative is used in constipation where dietary measures are ineffective?
2) What laxative is given if the stool remains hard?
3) If the stools are still soft but difficult to pass or the person complains of inadequate emptying, what laxative is then given?
1) Bulk-forming laxative
2) Osmotic laxative
3) Stimulant laxative
Name 2 medication that can cause constipation
- Anti-psychotics
- Anti-depressants
- Opioids
- Iron
- Aluminium
- Levodopa
