GI pharm: antemetics, diarrhea, constipation Flashcards
List of antiemetics?
- anticholinergics
- antihistamines
- dopamine receptor antagonists:
phenothiazines
benzamides - serotonin antagonists
What are the neurotransmitter receptor sites involved in the vomiting reflex?
- M1: muscarinic
- D2: dopamine
- H1: histamine
- 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT)-3: serotonin
- neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor: substance P
Main anticholinergic agent used as an antiemetic? Receptor targeted? SEs?
- M1: muscarinic receptor
- scopolamine is main drug of this category
- predominantly used as prophylaxis against motion sickness
- delivered transdermally, 1.5 mg q 72 hrs
- SEs: dry mouth, drowsiness, vision disturbance
Antihistamines used as antiemetics? SE?
- H1 blockers
- primary use is for motion sickness:
diphenhydramine (benadryl)
cylizine (cyclivert)
dimenhydrinate (dramamine)
meclizine (dramamine-les drowsy)
SE: sedation most common along with anticholinergic effects
3 subclasses of dopamine receptor antagonists?
- phenothiazines: prochlorperazine (compazine) promethazine (phenergan) - butyrophenones (antipyschotics) - benzamides: metachlopramide (reglan) trimethobenzamide (tigan)
Properties of phenothiazines? When are they used?
- have antagonistic properties at D2, H1, and M1 sites
- used as first line agents as antiemetics
- oral, rectal, or IV
- prochlorperazine (compazine): first line agent
- promethazine (phenergan): also acts as antihistmaine
Main adverse effects of phenothiazines?
-extrapyramidal rxns such as dystonia: compazine has higher incidence than phenergan
- tardive dyskinesia with prolonged use
- acute dystonia can be tx with diphenhydramine 25-50 mg IV or IM
- hypotension can also occur, particularly in elderly or with IV infusion
- other side effects:
sedation, drowsiness, anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision)
Precautions with phenothiazines?
- use with caution with other CNS depressants, poorly controlled seizures, severe liver dysfxn
Mechanism of benzamides - reglan?
- central and peripheral dopamine D2 antagonism at low doses
- weak 5-HT3 blockade at higher doses
- stimulates cholinergic receptors on gastric smooth muscle cells and enhances acetylcholine release at neuromuscular jxn
mechanism of benzamides - tigan?
- MOA is unclear but works centrally in area of medulla oblongata
- is generally considered most potent antiemetic that doesn’t have effects on serotonergic, dopaminergic, or histaminergic systems, so it has lower likelihood of causing undesired side effects
MOA of serotonin 5-HT3 antagonists?
- potent antiemetic properties mediated mainly through central 5-HT3-receptor blockade in vomiting center and chemoreceptor trigger zone blockade of 5-HT3 receptors
Clinical uses for serotonin 5-HT3 antagonists?
- great for post op and chemo induced nausea and vomiting
- can be used for most cases of nausea and vomiting except not great for nausea secondary to vestibular system etiology (vertigo)
- usually effective as single agents
How are 5-HT3 receptor antagonists usually tolerated? Examples?
- generally well tolerated
- most common adverse effects: HA, dizziness, constipation
- examples:
ondansetron (zofran): most popular
granisetron (kytril)
dolasetron (anzemet)
palonosetron (aloxil)
Characteristics of Zofran? Drug interactions? Downside of it?
- approved for use in kids and adults
- preg:B/C
- drug interactions: caution for serotonin syndrome, QT prolongation, monitor LFTs if prolonged use, serotonin syndrome (rare, but can be deadly if not recognized)
- Super expensive - tablets - 30 4 mg tablets: $735
DDx of nausea/vomiting?
- meds, toxicities
- infections (GI, ear)
- Gut disorders
- CNS causes
- endocrine
- misc: post op, cardiac, radiation
What is impt to remember about antemetic therapy?
- always seek the cause and tx underlying disorder
- caution with anticholinergic side effects in the elderly
- don’t forget supportive therapy with fluids and correction of lytes
- N/V assoc with chemo is tx differently (with steroids)
- antiemetic drug selection should be based on underlying disorder
Tx for migraine HA with nausea?
- reglan or compazine
Tx of vetibular nausea?
- antihistamines and anticholinergics
Tx of preg induced nausea?
- nausea: ginger, vitamin B6
- phenergan first line for hyperemesis
- serotonin antagonists and corticosteroids 2nd line
Abx for tx of infectious diarrhea?
- empiric abx therapy:
first line: fluoroquinolone - cipro, or norfloxacin or levo
2nd line: oral macrolides - azithro, or erythro
When can pharm therapy for sx tx of diarrhea be initiated?
IF……
- no fever
- no blood in stool
- then you can use antimotility agent to decrease the number of stools/day