GI Drugs (Antidiarrheal)

Question 1

Adsorbents - Pepto Bismol, Kaopectate

Answer 1

Uses: anti-diarrheal. Caution = w/ children and teens due to Reye’s Syndrome. Adverse = temp darkening of tongue and/or stool, constipation and all adverse associated w/ ASA.

Question 2

Anticholinergics (Belladonna, Alkaloids) - Atropine, Hyoscine

Answer 2

Uses: Anti-diarrheal. Often prescribed combo form. Donnatal is most common combo form. Adverse = serious include urinary retention, tachycardia, blurred vision, increased pressure in the eye, photophobia, confusion and anxiety.

Question 3

Opioids - Lomotil, Imodium

Answer 3

Uses: Anti-diarrheal. Contraindicated = pt w/ ulcerative colitis, pseudomembranous colitis, bloody diarrhea, severe glaucoma. May produce morphine-like subjective effects: drowsiness, dizziness, resp. depression. Imodium available OTC, does not affect the CNS.

Question 4

Samotostatin Analogue - Sandostatin

Answer 4

Uses: severe diarrhea resulting from metazoic carcinoid tumors.

Question 5

Misc. - Lotronex

Answer 5

Uses: severe diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Question 6

Intestinal Flora Modifiers - Bacid

Answer 6

Uses: reestablishes normal flora in the gut and suppress the growth of diarrhea-causing bacteria. tx of diarrhea caused by antibiotic therapy.