drug tx of constipation/diarrhea

Question 1

causes of constipation

Answer 1

insufficient dietary fiber. dehydration. immobility. poor health. psych (depression, separation anxiety). gut diseases (IBS, cancer, bowel obs). spinal/nervous diseases. side effects of drugs.

Question 2

6 drugs with constipation side effect?

Answer 2

opioids. Aluminum antacids. Iron supplements. calcium salts. anticholinergics. Ca channel blockers.

Question 3

before prescribing laxative what should you do?

Answer 3

find cause of constipation

Question 4

non-drug measures for constipation? 4 categories of drug treatments and how they work?

Answer 4

increase fluid intake, increase fibre content in diet (recommend 20-30g). drugs: bulk forming agents (increase volume of non-absorbable residue). osmotic laxatives increase water content of stool. fecal softeners change stool consistency. stimulant lax. increase bowel motility/secretion