GI Motility Flashcards
Lifespan considerations for
Laxatives and Antidiarrheal agents
In children
Before using meds try:
* proper diet with fluids and fiber
* exercise
* timed toileting
While using meds:
* Monitor electrolytes closely
* Use meds for shortest time possible
* Follow up with provider for underlying conditions and nutritional deficiencies
For constipation:
🟢 USE gylcerin suppositories
🚫 AVOID harsh stimulants
For diarrhea:
🟢 USE Loperamide
Actions of Drugs used to affect Motor Activity of the GI Tract
1) Speed up or improve movement of intestinal contents (constipation)
2) Increase the tone of the GI tract and stimulate motility throughout the system
3) Decrease the movement along the GI tract when rapid movement decreases absorption of nutrients (diarrhea)
Lifespan considerations for
Laxatives and Antidiarrheal agents
In Adults
- Caution not to become dependent on laxatives –> cathartic dependence
- Encourage proper diet, exercise, fluids, fiber
- Safety during pregnancy/lactation not established
Lifespan considerations for
Laxatives and Antidiarrheal agents
In Older Adults
- Increased likelihood of constipation (more dehydrated, less active)
- Hepatic and renal impairment
- Use a bowel regimen
- Start low, go slow
- Psyllium agents are BEST (but must drink LOTS of fluids with this)
- Encourage lifestyle changes: exercise, fluids, fiber
Chemical Stimulants
Mechanism of Action
Directly stimulates nerve plexus in the intestinal wall resulting in ⬆️ increasing movement
Chemical Stimulants
Drug Names
- Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
- Castor Oil
- Senna (Ex-lax)
Chemical Stimulants
Contraindications
Absolute:
* Allergy
Relative:
* Acute abdominal disorders (appendicitis, colitis, diverticulitis, etc)
Cautions:
* Heart Block
* Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
* Debilitation (because of decreased absorption ➡️ electrolyte imbalance)
Chemical Stimulants
Adverse Effects
💩 GI: diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea
🧠 CNS: dizziness, headache, weakness
💓 Cardiac: Sweating, palpitations, flushing, fainting
* Cathartic dependence
Castor Oil:
* Blocks absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
Chemical Stimulants
Drug Interactions
- Other prescribed medications (separate by at least 30 minutes)
Bulk Forming Laxatives
Mechanism of Action
⬆️ SIZE of fecal matter
⬆️ fluid in the GI tract
⬆️ stretch on GI tract, stimulating local stretch receptors
⬆️ GI activity/motility
Bulk Forming Laxatives
Indication
Constipation
Bulk Forming Laxatives
Drug Names
- Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
- Polycarbophil (Fiber Lax)
- Psyllium (Metamucil)
Bulk Forming Laxatives
Contraindications
Absolute:
* Allergy
Relative:
* Acute abdominal disorders (appendicitis, colitis, diverticulitis, etc.)
Bulk Forming Laxatives
Adverse Effects
💩 GI: diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea
🧠CNS: dizziness, headache, weakness
💓CV: sweating, palpitations, flushing, fainting
Bulk Forming Laxatives
Drug Interactions
- Other prescribed medications (take 30 minutes apart due to absorption effect)
Osmotic Laxatives
Mechanism of Action
💦 Draws more water into the GI tract ➡️ stimulates increased GI motility
Osmotic Laxatives
Indications
- Constipation
- Bowel cleanse before surgery
Osmotic Laxatives
Drug Names
- Magnesium (Magnesium sulfate, Magnesium citrate, Magnesium hydroxide)
- Lactulose
- Polyethylene glycol
- Sodium picosulfate with magnesium oxide
Osmotic Laxatives
Contraindications
Relative:
* Acute abdominal conditions (fecal impaction, intestinal obstruction, acute abdominal distention, appendicitis)
Caution:
* Lactulose: Diabetes (lactulose is a sugar)
* Magnesium: Renal insufficiency
* Polyethylene glycol: seizures (lowers the seizure threshold)
Osmotic Laxatives
Adverse Effects
💩 GI: diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, dehydration, dry mouth
🧠 CNS: dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, weakness
💓 CV: sweating, palpitations, flushing, fainting
* Rectal irritation