Drugs for Constipation

Question 1

Bulk-Forming Laxatives

Answer 1

Fibers (fruits, vegetable)
Methyl Cellulose
Psyllium (C-lium®, Metamucil®)

Question 2

MOA of Bulk-Forming Laxatives

Answer 2

Absorbs and retain water in the intestinal lumen and increase size of fecal matter

Question 3

Safest and most functional type of laxative, preferred in chronic constipation

Answer 3

Bulk-Forming Laxatives
* Psyllium
* Polycarbophil

Question 4

Emollient Laxatives

Answer 4

Docusate Na
Docusate K

For hard & Dry fecal with painful passage

Question 5

MOA of Emollient Laxative

Answer 5

Incorporation of water into fatty intestinal material

Question 6

Osmotic Laxatives

Answer 6

Salts - Short term
MgSO4
MgO
Na3PO4

Sugars - Long term
Lactulose - cathartic, portal systemic encephalopathy
PEG
Sorbitol

Question 7

Stimulant Laxatives (irritant laxative)

Answer 7

Castor Oil
Senna
Cascara
Bisacodyl (Dulcelax)

For short term use

Question 8

MOA of Stimulant/Secretory Laxatives

Answer 8

Act directly on the intestinal mucosa to alter fluid secretion and stimulate peristalsis

Question 9

A/Es of Stimulant Laxatives

Answer 9

Abdominal Pain
Cramping
Electrolyte and fluid depletion
Melanosis Coli - a dark pigmentation of the colonic mucosa that results from long-term use of Anthraquinone laxatives.

Question 10

Lubricant Laxatives

Answer 10

Mineral Oil

Question 11

MOA of Lubricant Laxatives

Answer 11

Penetrate stool to soften it and lubricate the stool surface, results to smooth passage of fecal

Question 12

Lubricant Laxative DI

Answer 12

Mineral Oil + Vit ADEK = Dec. absorption of Vitamins
Mineral Oil + Docusate = Inc. systemic absorption of mineral Oil