Diarrhoea - Pharmacology

Question 1

How an diarrhoea be good thing ?

Answer 1

It removes irritating substances from gut

Question 2

Name 2 pharmacological treatements of diarrhoea

Answer 2

1) Anri-diarrhoeal drugs

2) Absorbent agents e.g; Kaolin

Question 3

State 5 cases where anti-diarrheal drugs are used

Answer 3

1) In severe and prolonged cases (>2-3 days) - to stop loss of sever fluid and electrolytes
2) Severe cases in children and older adults
3) When specific causes of diarrhoea has been identified
4) In chronic inflammatory diseases of the bowel such as Colitis and Crohn’s disease
5) In ilestomies - to decrease fluidity and vol of stools

Question 4

Opiates are contradindicated in acute or chronic disease ? and why ?

Answer 4

Chronic - due to possible opiate dependency

Question 5

Name 3 drugs that are contraindicated in children younger than 2 years old

Answer 5

1) Loperamide (Imodium)
2) Difenoxin
3) Diphenoxylate

Question 6

Name 2 classes of anti-diarrheal agents ?

Answer 6

1) Anti-motility agents

2) Adsorbents and bulk - forming drugs

Question 7

Bulk-forming agents can be useful in cases of low grade chronic diarrohoea. TRUE or FALSE

Answer 7

TRUE

Question 8

Adsorbents are not recommended for acute diarrhoea. TRUE or FALSE

Answer 8

TRUE

Question 9

‘Opioids that penetrate the mu receptors are preferred over opioids that penetrate the CNS. TRUE or FALSE

Answer 9

TRUE

Question 10

Loperamide is 40-50 times more potent than Morphine. TRUE or FASLE

Answer 10

TRUE

Question 11

What is the half life of loperamide ?

Answer 11

11 hrs

Question 12

How is Loperamide more potent than Morphine ?

Answer 12

1) It increases transit time (absorption of water)
2) Increases anal sphincter tone
3) Increases anti-secretory activity against CT and some E.coli toxins

Question 13

What is the required dose of Loperamide ?

Answer 13

4mg initially orally, followed by 2mg - up to 16mg/day

Question 14

Is Codeine a weak or strong opiate ?

Answer 14

Weak

Question 15

What is the required dose of Codeine ?

Answer 15

30mg given 3-4 times daily, orally

Question 16

State the duration of action of Codeine

Answer 16

4 - 6hrs

Question 17

Morphine is a strong opiate. TRUE or FALSE

Answer 17

TRUE

Question 18

What is the required dose of Morphine ?

Answer 18

550-800mcg/10ml, once every 6hrs

Question 19

Co-Phenotrope is a combination of what ?

Answer 19

Diphenoxylate (opiate) and Atropine (anti-peristaltic)

Question 20

Co-Phenotrope should be avoided in patients with acute inflammatory bowel disease. TRUE or FALSE

Answer 20

TRUE

Question 21

Adsorbents non-selectively absorb gut fluid. TRUE or FALSE

Answer 21

TRUE

Question 22

Give an example of an adsorbent

Answer 22

Kaolin

Question 23

What is the required dose of Kaolin ?

Answer 23

30-120ml 20% suspension after each stool

Question 24

Probiotics replace normal gut flora. TRUE or FALSE

Answer 24

TRUE

Question 25

State 2 actions of Probiotics

Answer 25

1) Suppresses growth of pathogenic bacteria

2) Restores gut function

Question 26

Name an example of a Probiotic

Answer 26

Lactobacillus Acidophilus (Lactinex)

Question 27

What is the required dose of Lactinex ?

Answer 27

2 tabs or 1 packet of granules, 3-4 times a day

Question 28

Probiotics can be found in Dairy productss. TRUE or FALSE

Answer 28

TRUE

Question 29

What are Probiotics ?

Answer 29

Live bacteria and yeasts usually added to yoghurts or taken as food supplements. Help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut when disrupted by an illness or treatment.