EXAM #1: GI PHARMACOLOGY II Flashcards
What is the role of 5-HT in GI motility?
1) 5-HT stimulates gastric motility by inducing the release of ACh from neurons on the gastric smooth muscle
2) Plays a role in relaying sensory information from the gut to CNS
What is the role of ACh in GI motility?
ACh binds muscarininc receptors to INCREASE GI motility
How is ACh metabolized?
AChE
What is the role of DA-2 in GI motility?
- Dopamine activates pre-synatic receptors in ENS neurons to decrease neuronal firing
- This leads to a decrease in GI motility
Specifically, pre-synaptic DA-2 agonism negatively regulates release of ACh on gastric smooth muscle
What is the physiologic outcome of DA-2 agonism?
Decreased motility
What is the physiologic outcome of DA-2 antagonism?
Increased motility
What is the role of Motilin in GI motility?
Promotion of GI motility in the UPPER GI tract
What are “prokinetic agents?”
Agents that increase GI motility
List the Prokinetic agents.
Metoclopramide
Bethanechol
Neostigmine
Erythromycin
What is the mechanism of action of Metoclopramide?
DA-2 Antagonist
What are the indications for Metoclopramide?
1) GERD
2) Impaired gastric emptying
3) Dyspepsia
4) Antiemetic
What are the adverse effects of Metoclopramide?
CNS
- Restlessness
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Altered Motor Function
- PD-like symptoms
This drug crosses the BBB; thus, as a DA-antagonist, it can cause PD-like symptoms.
What is the mechanism of action of Bethanecol?
M3 agonist
What are the indications for Bethanecol?
1) GERD
2) Gastroparesis
What are the adverse effects of Bethanecol?
Cholinergic side effects
What is the mechanism of action of Neostigmine?
AChE inhibitor
What are the indications for Neostigmine?
NON-OBSTRUCTIVE
1) Urinary retention
2) Abdominal distension
What are the adverse effects of Neostigmine?
Cholinergic side effects
What is the mechanism of Erythromycin?
Motilin receptor agonist
This is an antibiotic. One of the side effects of many abx is diarrhea. Here the reason that this drug causes diarrhea is b/c it is a motilin receptor agonist.
What is the indication for Erythromycin?
Gastroparesis
What are non-pharmacologic methods to treat constipation?
1) Increase water intake
2) Increase fiber intake
3) Exercise
What is a “bulk-forming” laxative?
- Ingestion of fiber that CANNOT be digested and absorbed
- Fiber retains water in the lumen of the GI tract
Bulk-forming agents will form a large clump/bolus that will induce a mass peristaltic contraction. Water retention with fiber will make the movement easier.
What does a bulk-forming laxative need to be taken with?
WATER–things can be made worse without water
What is the prototypical bulk forming agent?
Methylcellulose
What is the mechanism of action of a stool-softener?
1) May literally soften stool
2) May “coat” and cause stool to “fall out”
What is the prototypical stool softener?
Glycerin
What is an osmotic laxative?
Drugs that induce changes in osmotic pressure with non-absorb-able sugars and salt
What are the prototypical osmotic laxative agents?
Lactulose
What are the mechanisms of “stimulant” laxatives?
These are laxatives that generally stimulate the ENS, and may also:
1) Induce “leaky” mucosa
2) Inhibiting Na+ uptake by the gut
What is the prototypical stimulant laxatives?
Anthraquinone derivatives such as aloe and SENNA
What are the indications for laxatives?
1) Constipation
2) Minimize straining post operatively
3) Prior to surgical/ endoscopic procedure
What is the adverse effect of bulk forming agents?
Gas and bloating that can lead to abdominal discomfort
What is the adverse effect seen with surfactants/ stool softeners?
Nutrient malabsorption
Coating of the GI tract and absorptive surface on a chronic basis will lead to malabsorption.