Gastrointestinal Medications Tips

Question 1

promethazine

Answer 1

drowsiness, dizziness, avoid alcohol (enhanced drowsiness), sun sensitivity

Question 2

ondansetron

Answer 2

fatigue, headache, constipation or diarrhea

Question 3

omeprazole

Answer 3

works in 1 day or up to 4 days for full effect, food delays absorption so take > 1 hour before food, separate from antacids by 2 hours

Question 4

famotidine

Answer 4

works in 1 hour with up to 1 day for full effect, can be taken with antacids

Question 5

magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, simethicone

Answer 5

shake well, works within minutes, many drug-drug interactions, constipation from aluminum, diarrhea from magnesium and simethicone

Question 6

calcium carbonate

Answer 6

constipation, chew before swallowing, do not use > 2 weeks for indigestion

Question 7

docusate sodium

Answer 7

works in 1-3 days, take with water, diarrhea/cramps

Question 8

polyethylene glycol (PEG)

Answer 8

laxative works in 1-3 days, do not take longer than a week without MD approval, colon prep works in 1 hour, diarrhea/cramps/bloating

Question 9

bisacodyl

Answer 9

oral dose works in 8 hours, suppository works within 15-60mins, do not take longer than a week without MD approval, diarrhea/cramps

Question 10

loperamide

Answer 10

drowsiness, if diarrhea not improved in 2 days call MD for dehydration risk