Drug Therapy for: Constipation and Elimination Problems

Question 1

Psyllium (Metamucil): Class

Answer 1

bulk forming laxative

Question 2

Psyllium (Metamucil): Acts within

Answer 2

• 12-24 hours

- asses for constipation relief withing 12-72 hours

Question 3

Psyllium (Metamucil): Action

Answer 3

• pulls excess water into the intestinal lumen

- stimulates bowel elimination by adding bulk and size to feces

Question 4

Psyllium (Metamucil): What does it treat?

Answer 4

• occasional constipation or irregular bowel
• diarrhea
• can be used with dieting to decrease cholesterol

Question 5

Psyllium (Metamucil): a/e

Answer 5

• severe gas or bloating
• ab cramps
• esophageal or bowel obstruction

Question 6

Psyllium (Metamucil): What should I do when taking this drug?

Answer 6

take it with enough water of another liquid because it can cause obstruction in the GI tract without it

Question 7

Mineral Oil: class

Answer 7

lubricant laxative

Question 8

Mineral Oil: action

Answer 8

• lubricates the poop
• slows absorption of water out of poop
  BOTH TO SOFTEN DRY POOP
• takes 6-8 hours to come into effect

Question 9

Mineral Oil: Whats the best method to take it?

Answer 9

It is best to use it as a retention enema because oral admin has a lot of a/e

Question 10

Mineral Oil: a/e (especially with oral)

Answer 10

• lipid pneumonia

- decreased fat soluble vitamin absorption (A,D,E and K)

Question 11

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): class

Answer 11

stimulant cathartic

Question 12

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): action

Answer 12

• irritate GI mucosa to pull water into the bowel lumen
• moves poop through the bowel too fast for colonic absorption resulting in watery stool
• 6-12 hours to take effect if oral
• 15min - 1hour anal

Question 13

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): What is it used for?

Answer 13

• constipation relief

- med exam and surgery prep

Question 14

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): a/e

Answer 14

• ab pain and cramps
• nausea
• diarrhea (obviously)
• weakness

Question 15

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): What shouldn’t I take it with? How should it be taken?

Answer 15

Milk because it increases stomach pH causing early release of coating. Don’t take it within an hour of ingesting milk.Take it on an empty stomach or at bedtime

Question 16

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): When inserting rectal suppository what finger should be used?

Answer 16

insert it the full length of the index finger

Question 17

Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): action

Answer 17

• increases osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen / causes water to be retained
• retained water causes distention and peristalsis increases causing semi-fluid stool

Question 18

Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): When should it be used?

Answer 18

When rapid stool evacuation is needed because effects occur in 1/2 hour - 6 hours

Question 19

Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): class

Answer 19

saline cathartic

Question 20

Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): Used for

Answer 20

short term treatment of:

• constipation
• bowel cleansing before exam
• fecal impaction

Question 21

Polyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Solution (GoLytely): action

Answer 21

rapid and effective bowel cleansing without significant changes in water or electrolyte balance

Question 22

Polyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Solution (GoLytely): action time

Answer 22

30-60 minutes or within 4 hours

Question 23

Polyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Solution (GoLytely): How can it taste better and potency be retained?

Answer 23

refrigerate it

Question 24

Docusate Sodium (Colace): action

Answer 24

• decreases surface tension of poop to allow more water into it
• mixes fat and water in the stool (detergent action)
• little to no laxative effect
• take 1-3 days and should be taken daily

Question 25

Docusate Sodium (Colace): Main purpose

Answer 25

prevent straining while pooping by softening the stool

Question 26

Lactulose: action

Answer 26

• pulls water into intestinal lumen

- decreases production of ammonia in the intestine

Question 27

Lactulose: Is used to treat

Answer 27

constipation and hepatic encephalopathy (ammonia accumulation)

Question 28

Lactulose: Treatment goal

Answer 28

2-3 soft stools daily

Question 29

Lactulose: use with caution because it can

Answer 29

cause electrolyte imbalance and dehydration