Drugs Used for Diarrhea Flashcards
How do opioid agonists work?
They modulate cholinergic and VIP connections in the submucosal and myenteric plexuses, resulting in:
- decreased intestinal contraction
- increased colonic transit time
- fecal water absorption
Acetylcholine mediates
contraction
VIP mediates
relaxation
Where are opioid receptors located?
mu and delta are on gut smooth muscle
What drug class is loperamide (immodium)
opioid agonists
no rx, no addiction, no analgesia
well tolerated
Diphenoxylate (Lomotil) drug class
opioid agonist
Lomotil adverse effects and interactions
high doses have CNS effects and can lead to opioid dependence
usually mixed with atropine (anticholinergic) to prevent overdose
Interactions: Etoh, barbituates, tranquilizers
How does Kaopectate work?
absorbs bacteria, toxins, and fluids
thereby decreasing stool volume and number
Why shouldnt I take Kaopectate within two hours of other medications?
it can bind them
Kaopectate usage
acute diarrhea (#tacobell)
Drug class:
Lactobacillus
Bifidobacterium
Saccharomyces
Probiotics: live micro-organisms which colonize intestinal wall
Why take probiotics?
Prevent diarrhea
use in IBS, C diff, rotavirus
When should I NOT take probiotics?
If I’m neutropenic
How does cholestyramine (Questran) work?
It is a Resin that binds bile acids and excretes them in stool. used in diarrhea
Why take Cholestyramine (Questran)?
diarrhea
pruritus from biliary obstruction
hypercholesterolemia
