Drug Therapy for: Constipation and Elimination Problems Flashcards
Psyllium (Metamucil): Class
bulk forming laxative
Psyllium (Metamucil): Acts within
- 12-24 hours
- asses for constipation relief withing 12-72 hours
Psyllium (Metamucil): Action
- pulls excess water into the intestinal lumen
- stimulates bowel elimination by adding bulk and size to feces
Psyllium (Metamucil): What does it treat?
- occasional constipation or irregular bowel
- diarrhea
- can be used with dieting to decrease cholesterol
Psyllium (Metamucil): a/e
- severe gas or bloating
- ab cramps
- esophageal or bowel obstruction
Psyllium (Metamucil): What should I do when taking this drug?
take it with enough water of another liquid because it can cause obstruction in the GI tract without it
Mineral Oil: class
lubricant laxative
Mineral Oil: action
- lubricates the poop
- slows absorption of water out of poop
BOTH TO SOFTEN DRY POOP - takes 6-8 hours to come into effect
Mineral Oil: Whats the best method to take it?
It is best to use it as a retention enema because oral admin has a lot of a/e
Mineral Oil: a/e (especially with oral)
- lipid pneumonia
- decreased fat soluble vitamin absorption (A,D,E and K)
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): class
stimulant cathartic
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): action
- 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
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): What is it used for?
- constipation relief
- med exam and surgery prep
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): a/e
- ab pain and cramps
- nausea
- diarrhea (obviously)
- weakness
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): What shouldn’t I take it with? How should it be taken?
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
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): When inserting rectal suppository what finger should be used?
insert it the full length of the index finger
Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): action
- increases osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen / causes water to be retained
- retained water causes distention and peristalsis increases causing semi-fluid stool
Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): When should it be used?
When rapid stool evacuation is needed because effects occur in 1/2 hour - 6 hours
Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): class
saline cathartic
Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): Used for
short term treatment of:
- constipation
- bowel cleansing before exam
- fecal impaction
Polyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Solution (GoLytely): action
rapid and effective bowel cleansing without significant changes in water or electrolyte balance
Polyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Solution (GoLytely): action time
30-60 minutes or within 4 hours
Polyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Solution (GoLytely): How can it taste better and potency be retained?
refrigerate it
Docusate Sodium (Colace): action
- 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
Docusate Sodium (Colace): Main purpose
prevent straining while pooping by softening the stool
Lactulose: action
- pulls water into intestinal lumen
- decreases production of ammonia in the intestine
Lactulose: Is used to treat
constipation and hepatic encephalopathy (ammonia accumulation)
Lactulose: Treatment goal
2-3 soft stools daily
Lactulose: use with caution because it can
cause electrolyte imbalance and dehydration
