Diarrhoea - Pharmacology Flashcards
How an diarrhoea be good thing ?
It removes irritating substances from gut
Name 2 pharmacological treatements of diarrhoea
1) Anri-diarrhoeal drugs
2) Absorbent agents e.g; Kaolin
State 5 cases where anti-diarrheal drugs are used
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
Opiates are contradindicated in acute or chronic disease ? and why ?
Chronic - due to possible opiate dependency
Name 3 drugs that are contraindicated in children younger than 2 years old
1) Loperamide (Imodium)
2) Difenoxin
3) Diphenoxylate
Name 2 classes of anti-diarrheal agents ?
1) Anti-motility agents
2) Adsorbents and bulk - forming drugs
Bulk-forming agents can be useful in cases of low grade chronic diarrohoea. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
Adsorbents are not recommended for acute diarrhoea. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
‘Opioids that penetrate the mu receptors are preferred over opioids that penetrate the CNS. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
Loperamide is 40-50 times more potent than Morphine. TRUE or FASLE
TRUE
What is the half life of loperamide ?
11 hrs
How is Loperamide more potent than Morphine ?
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
What is the required dose of Loperamide ?
4mg initially orally, followed by 2mg - up to 16mg/day
Is Codeine a weak or strong opiate ?
Weak
What is the required dose of Codeine ?
30mg given 3-4 times daily, orally
State the duration of action of Codeine
4 - 6hrs
Morphine is a strong opiate. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
What is the required dose of Morphine ?
550-800mcg/10ml, once every 6hrs
Co-Phenotrope is a combination of what ?
Diphenoxylate (opiate) and Atropine (anti-peristaltic)
Co-Phenotrope should be avoided in patients with acute inflammatory bowel disease. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
Adsorbents non-selectively absorb gut fluid. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
Give an example of an adsorbent
Kaolin
What is the required dose of Kaolin ?
30-120ml 20% suspension after each stool
Probiotics replace normal gut flora. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
State 2 actions of Probiotics
1) Suppresses growth of pathogenic bacteria
2) Restores gut function
Name an example of a Probiotic
Lactobacillus Acidophilus (Lactinex)
What is the required dose of Lactinex ?
2 tabs or 1 packet of granules, 3-4 times a day
Probiotics can be found in Dairy productss. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
What are Probiotics ?
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.
