GI Part I Flashcards
Meds that can cause constipation
- Opioids
- Anticholinergics
- Antacids w/Al or Ca
- CCBs
- Thiazides
- Iron supplements
- NSAIDs
When should meds be taken when treating constipation?
At bedtime
What MOAs are there to treat constipation?
- Soften stool
- Ease passage (lubricants)
- Add bulk to stool
- Stimulate GI tract
- Stimulate GI secretory process
- Increase GI motility
How do stool softeners work?
- Anionic surfactants
- Detergents that mix aqueous and fatty substances
- Fecal mass is softened
How do stool softeners help constipation?
- Prevention
- Softens fecal mass
- Avoids straining
Onset of stool softeners?
1-3 days
How are stool softeners given?
Often combined with other agents
Example of a stool softener
Docusate (Colace)
How do lubricants work in constipation?
- Coats stool and prevents absorption of water
- Easier passage
Onset of lubricants?
24 hours
What is glycerin, its use, and its onset?
- Lubricant for constipation
- Suppositories sized for infant, kids or adults
- Commonly used in children
- 30 min onset
What lubricant is MC used in children for constipation?
Glycerin
Features of mineral oil
- Lubricant for constipation
- Avoid in bedridden pts bc of aspiration pneumonia
- Can affect absorption of fat soluble vitamins, warfarin, OCPs
- Avoid long term use
How do bulk forming agents work?
- Adds bulk to feces
- Promotes peristalsis
How should bulking agents be given?
- Take w/lots o’ liquids!
- Do NOT use in bedridden pts
- Separate other meds by 1-2 hrs
Onset of bulking agents?
1-3 days
Side effects of bulking agents
Bloating and gas
Examples of bulking agents
- Psyllium (Metamucil)
- Benefiber, Bran (dietary)
What are osmotic bulking agents and how do they work?
- Nonabsorbable sugars
- Prevention and treatment of chronic constipation
- Pull water into colon, soften stool, increase volume
- Lactulose and 33% sorbitol
What is lactulose?
- Osmotic bulking agent for constipation
- Onset 1-3 days
What is 33% sorbitol?
- Osmotic bulking agent for constipation
- Quick effect
What are saline cathartics and how do they work?
- Bulking agent for constipation
- Nonabsorbable cations and anions
- Pull fluid into GI tract
- Milk of Magnesia, Sodium Phosphate
How are saline cathartics used to treat constipation?
- Occasional use! Every few weeks
- Take adequate fluids with it
- 6 hour onset
What are electrolyte solutions and how do they work?
- Bulking agent for constipation
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
- Nonabsorbable osmotically active sugar
- Draws water into GI lumen