Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

bnf > Gastrointestinal > Flashcards

Gastrointestinal Flashcards

1
Q

What is prucalopride indicated for

A

Constipation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What class of drug is lubiprostone

A

Chloride channel agonist

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

When is vedolizumab used

A

IBD refractory to all other techniques

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What counselling points are there for GI corticosteroids?

A

Take in the morning
Report visual disturbance
Apply sparingly

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What 3 antimuscarinics are used as antispasmodics?

A

Dicycloverine, hyoscine and propantheline

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the action of linaclotide?

A

Guanylate cyclase C receptor agonist. Causing release of cAMP and Cl. Laxative for constipation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is teduglutide indicated for

A

Short bowel syndrome

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How does naloxegol exert its action for constipation

A

Opioid receptor antagonist. Acts on receptors in periphery so opioid central effects still occur but constipating effects blocked

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What 3 classes of drugs are used in ulcer prevention and treatment?

A

proton pump inhibitors, h2 antagonists and prostoglandins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

When and how is orlistat used?

A

When the BMI is over 30 and lifestyle changes are inadequate for obesity. Or over 28 with other risk factors. Max 12 weeks unless more than 5% weight loss. Taken up to 1h after meal and only if it contains fat.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Can racecadotril be mixed with food?

A

Yes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What additional considerations are there with sulfasalazine than with other amino salicylate?

A

Colours urine. Need FBC LFTs monthly for first 3 months.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What MHRA warning exists for eluxadoline?

A

Pancreatitis risk. Beware of worsening abdominal pain radiating to the back or shoulder.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is given in loperamide overdose?

A

Naloxone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What drugs should be considered for stopping around the use of macrogol and for how long

A

Ace inhibitors, ARB, nsaid. Up to 72 hours after. No drugs 1h before and after

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What other osmotic laxatives are there besides macrogol containing products?

A

Citric acid with magnesium carbonate
Lactulose
Magnesium hydroxide
sodium acid phosphate with sodium phosphate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the maximum amount of time before stimulant laxatives work?

A

12 hours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the common and excessive use side effects of stimulant laxatives?

A

Abdominal cramp common.

Diarrhoea and hypokaleamia with excessive use

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Why are co-danthramer and Co-danthrusate not used commonly?

A

Carcinogenicity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What drugs belong to multiple classes of laxative?

A

Glycerol & docusate - stimulant and softening

Methyl cellulose - bulk forming and softening

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Why is liquid paraffin not used much any more?

A

Side effects such as anal seepage, granulamatous disease, lipoid pneumonia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Why is gaviscon cautioned in hypertensive patients?

A

Sodium content

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are the GI side effects of antacids and how are they counteracted?

A

Aluminium constipating; magnesium laxative. Combine.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What proton pump inhibitor has an interaction with clopidogrel

A

Omeprazole

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What antibiotic therapy commonly causes clostridium difficile?

A

Ampicillin, amoxicillin, Co amoxiclav, clindamycin, 2nd/3rd gen cephalosporins and quinolones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What can c diff be treated with?

A

Metronidazole, vancomycin, fidoxomycin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

A high fibre diet should be given in diverticulitis. True or false

A

False. That and bulk forming drugs can be given in diverticular disease. Low residue diet and bowel rest given in diverticulitis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Which of these is not suitable to tell an IBS patient: eat 5 portions of fruit a day, increase physical activity, avoid sweeteners

A

Eat 5 portions as they should nto have more than 3

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What types of cereal is gluten found in?

A

Wheat, barley, rye

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What supplements are coeliac patients most likely to take?

A

Folic acid 5mg, calcium, vitamin D (risk of osteoporosis)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What should you advise to a coeliac patient requesting over the counter supplements?

A

Should not self medicate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What drug may be used in celiac disease?

A

Prednisolone (refractory)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is the difference between diverticular disease and diverticulitis

A

Wihh or without inlfammation/infection

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What is the most suitable treatment for uncomplicated diverticulitis

A

Low residue diet and bowel rest. Fibre has lacking evidence. Bulk forming laxatives may be used

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

If antibiotics are indicated for diverticulitis, what should be given?

A

IV covering Gram negative and anaerobes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

A diverticular disease patient wants to buy buscopan. Is this suitable?

A

There is insufficient evidence to justify its role.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What differs sulfasalazine from other amino salicylate?

A

Combination with sulfapyridine to carry it to colonic site of action, producing more side effects. Extra testing - FBC initially and monthly for 3m and LFTs monthly for first 3m. Contact lenses may be stained.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Which form of IBD has continuous inflammation rather than interspersed?

A

Ulcerative colitis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What 3 options are there for chrons exacerbation, in descending order of effectiveness, if it is the patients first in 12 months?

A

Corticosteroid
Budesonide
Amino salicylate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What is added on to first line therapy if a patient has had 2 or more exacerbations of chrons disease in 12 months? What tests should be completed?

A

Azathioprine or mercaptopurine. TPMT activity - if deficit, use methotrexate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What treatment options are not used to maintain remission of chrons disease?

A

Corticosteroids or budesonide

42
Q

What drugs are used to control diarrhoea in IBD and when are they contraindicated?

A

Loperamide or codeine. Not in active UC as can cause toxic megacolon

43
Q

What are the treatment options in fistulating chrons?

A

Metronidazole, ciprofloxacin
Azathioprine, mercaptopurine
Infliximab
Surgery if not perianal

44
Q

What is proctitis and proctosigmoiditis? What are the drugs of choice here?

A

Inflammation of the rectum. Inflammation of rectum and sigmoid colon.

Amino salicylate - rectal more effective.
Rectal corticosteroid or oral prednisolone if can’t use above or subacute

45
Q

What is left sided and extensive ulcerative colitis? What are the drug choices here?

A

Involving colon distal to splenic flexure. Involving colon proximal to splenic flexure.

High induction oral amino salicylate plus rectal AC or oral beclometasone if necessary
Oral prednisolone if can’t give above or subacute

46
Q

How long are amino salicylate given to work and what should be given if they fail?

A

After 4 weeks, add prednisolone. After another 2-4 weeks consider tacrolimus or budesonide

47
Q

What is given in acute severe ulcerative colitis?

A

IV corticosteroid or ciclosporin. Combination. Surgery. Infliximab.

48
Q

What is and isn’t suitable for maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis?

A

Amino salicylate
Azathioprine and mercaptopurine if 2 or more exacerbations in 12 months

Not corticosteroids

49
Q

What symptoms should patients taking amino salicylate be advised to look out for?

A

Unexplained bleeding, bruising, purpura, sore throat, fever, malaise.

Diarrhoea in a breast fed infant.

50
Q

Explain how to administer pentasa and salofalk

A

Pentasa tablets can be split or dispersed in water but should not be chewed. Granules are placed on the tongue and washed down with water or orange juice without chewing.

Solofalk granules washed down with water

51
Q

What 2 things should be ensured before starting vedolizumab? What 3 things should be monitored for?

A 
Screened for tuberculosis
Effective contraception (and a for at least 18 weeks after)

Hypersensitivity
Infection
Neurological signs and symptoms

52
Q

What diet and lifestyle advice should be given to IBS patients?

A

Increase physical activity, eat regularly without missing meals or leaving long gaps, no more than 3 portions of fresh fruit daily, soluble fibre (oats) not insoluble (bran). Increase fluid intake to at least 8 cups. Reduce caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks. Avoid sorbitol. Try probiotics for at least 4 weeks.

53
Q

Which of these is not suitable for an IBS patient; fybogel, lactulose, colpermin, spasmonal

A

Lactulose. Can cause bloating.

54
Q

When is linaclotide indicated?

A

Moderate to severe IBS with constipation for at least 12 months not responding to laxatives

55
Q

What type of drugs can be used for discomfort in IBS if they are unresponsive to first line therapies?

A

Antidepressants (TCAs or SSRIs)

56
Q

Eluxadoline; indication, action and MHRA alert

A

IBS with diarrhoea
Acts on gut opioid receptors reducing contractility and fluid secretion

Cases of pancreatitis; especially if undergone cholecystectomy or in biliary disorders. Advised to avoid alcohol and stop treatment if experience abdominal pain that may radiate to the back or shoulder, with or without nausea and vomiting.

57
Q

Can colpermin capsules be opened?

A

No peppermint oil may irritate mouth or oesophagus

58
Q

What drugs are commonly incompletely absorbed in small bowel syndrome?

A

Levothyroxine, warfarin, oral contraceptives and digoxin.

Enteric coated or modified release, especially with ileostomy.

59
Q

What deficiency is common in short bowel syndrome and what problems can treatment arise?

A

Hypomagnesemia. Oral magnesium can cause diarrhoea

60
Q

What 3 advantages does loperamide have over codeine for antidiarrhoeal purposes?

A

Not sedative, does not cause dependance or fat malabsorption

61
Q

Why is co-phenotropes use restricted?

A

Crosses blood brain barrier fo CNS effects. Potential for dependance and anticholinergic effects.

62
Q

When is coles tyramine indicated in short bowel syndrome and what is monitored?

A

Intact colon with less than 100cm of ileum resected . Monitor for fat malabsorption or fat soluble vitamin deficiencies.

63
Q

What cautions should be taken with teduglutide use?

A

Tetracycline hypersensitivity
On discontinuing May cause dehydration
Patients with cardiovascular disease should seek medical attention it they notice sudden weight gain, swollen ankles or dyspnoea

64
Q

What is advised with osmotic laxatives?

A

Maintain adequate hydration.
Abdominal pain is usually transient and can be reduced by taking preperations slower.
Renal function at baseline in those at risk of fluid and electrolyte disturbance (also ECG and electrolytes if ascorbic containing)

65
Q

What dietary advice is given regarding the lead up to bowel cleansing?

A

Low residue or fluid only diet (water, fruit squash, clear soup, black tea or coffee) and copious intake of clear fluids. Specifically no solid food for 2 hours before starting.

66
Q

What are red flag symptoms that may accompany constipation?

A

Anaemia, abdominal pain, weight loss, blood in stool

67
Q

What dietary advice should be given for patients with constipation ?

A

Balanced diet with whole grain, fruit and veg. Increase fluid and exercise. Increase fibre gradually. Can take 4 weeks to see difference. Sorbitol.

68
Q

What electrolyte imbalance may laxative abuse cause?

A

Hypokaleamia

69
Q

A patient describes their constipation as small hard stools. What laxative is the best option and what do you advise?

A

Bulk forming. Onset may take up to 72 hours. Symptoms of flatulence, bloating and cramping may be exacerbated. Maintain adequate fluid intake.

70
Q

Why are anthraquinone group laxatives limited in use?

A

Carcinogenicity and genotoxicity. Only in terminally I’ll.

71
Q

What faecal softener is least used and why?

A

Liquid paraffin due to anal seepage and granulomatous disease

72
Q

Which osmotic laxative may be used in hepatic encephalopathy and why?

A

Lactulose as produces low faecal pH and discourages proliferation of ammonia producing organisms.

73
Q

In what order are the laxative classes generally recommended and when does this change?

A

Bulk forming, then osmotic laxative, then stimulant.

Bulk forming should be avoided if opioid induced. May also try naloxegol and methylnaltrexone.

Faeceal impaction starts with macrogol (hard stools) or stimulant. Rectal bisacodyl or glycerol may be tried, or enema.

Macrogol first line in children. Then stimulant.

74
Q

If 2 laxatives have been used for at least 6 months what are the further options for constipation treatment?

A

Prucalopride in women (4 weeks for effect) or lubiprostone (2 weeks)

75
Q

Is senna safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding

A

Yes. Breastfeeding in over 1 month.

76
Q

What should be advised with bulk forming laxative use in the elderly

A

Supervise to ensure fluid intake. Also if narrowing intestines decrease motility or debilitated.

77
Q

When should loperamide be avoided?

A

Bloody or suspected inflammatory diarrhoea (including with significant abdominal pain)

78
Q

What antibiotic is used occasionally for prophylaxis of travellers diarrhoea?

A

Ciprofloxacin

79
Q

What are alarm features for dyspepsia?

A

Bleeding, dysphagia, recurrent vomiting, weight loss, over 55yo if unexplained and unresponsive

80
Q

What are the treatment stages of dyspepsia

A

Antacid
Proton pump inhibitor for 4 weeks
Test for h pylori

81
Q

How may antacids change stool consistency?

A

Magnesium may be laxative and aluminium constipation.

82
Q

Which antacids should not be used in infants and why?

A

Aluminium containing as accumulation may occur

83
Q

What is the recommended initial treatment therapy for h pylori

A

PPI (BD) , clarithromycin (250mg BD if with metronidazole 400mg BD, or 500mg BD if with 1g BD amoxicillin)

84
Q

When should the c urea test not be conducted?

A

Within 4 weeks of antibacterial treatment or 2 weeks of antisecretory treatment

85
Q

Who is at risk of nsaid gastrointestinal complications?

A

Over 65yo, history of peptic ulcer, other GI side effect drugs, Co morbidity (cvd, diabetes, impairment)

86
Q

What drug class might cause someone to develop skin lesions on their lower arms and what would you advise them?

A

PPIs. Avoid skin exposure to sunlight and consider discontinuing

87
Q

Which proton pump inhibitor can be used in pregnancy?

A

Omeprazole

88
Q

A patient is taking an antimuscarinic for IBS and is experiencing sedation. Which are they most likely taking, why and what can be given instead?

A 
Dicycloverine
 lipid soluble (also atropine)) so crosses blood brain barrier
Hyoscine and propantheline don't.
89
Q

What is the drug of choice on cholestatic pruritus? What other options are there?

A

Colestyramine
Ursodeoxycholic acid - especially in preganancy
Rifampicin
Sertraline, naltrexone

90
Q

What should be advised for a patient taking cholic acid and experiencing diarrhoea?

A

Need to have investigations for overdose

91
Q

What drugs are known to cause weight gain?

A

Atypical antipsychotic, beta blockers, insulin, lithium, valproate, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones and tricyclic antidepressantss

92
Q

What BMI should a patient have before considering an anti obesity drug?

A
  1. Or 28 with risk factor
93
Q

When will discontinuation of orlistat be considered

A

If weight loss not exceeded 5% after 12 weeks

94
Q

How should someone be advised to take orlistat?

A

Immediately before, during or up to 1 hour after each main meal. If a meal is missed or contains no fat, omit dose.

95
Q

What laxatives can be used with anal fissure?

A

Bulk forming or osmotic

96
Q

If an anal fissure has been present for more than 6 weeks, what can be given?

A

Glyceryl trinitrate rectal ointment

Topical diltiazem or nifedipine have less adverse effects

97
Q

How should pancreatin patients be advised to eat and use their medicine?

A

Distribute food intake through 3 mains meals and 2-3 snacks. Avoid difficult to digest food such as legumes and high fibre. Avoid alcohol.

Take pancreatin with food and don’t heat if mix. Mix gr granules with slightly acidic food and swallowed immediately. Can open capsules.

98
Q

What formulations are unsuitable in stomas?

A

Enteric coated or modified release, particularly in ileostomy

99
Q

Are sugared or sugar free products more suitable for stoma patients?

A

Sugared. Sorbitol is unsuitable as laxative

100
Q

Are proton pump inhibitors suitable in stoma patients?

A

Yes. Advised due to increased acid secretion.

101
Q

When should stoma patients be given potassium supplements?

A

When taking digoxin - high risk of hypokaleamia. Also when other diuretics used.

102
Q

What are the most suitable laxatives in stoma patients?

A

Bulk forming or small dose stimulant. But avoid if at all possible.

bnf (15 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions