GI system Flashcards
which medication should NOT be used in pregnant women/ women trying to concieve to treat acid reflux
Misoprostol
note: it can be used for peptic ulcers but it is also used to terminate pregnancies. if any females use this, they need to be on contraception
which two laxatives should only be used in palliative care (terminally ill)
co-danthramer and co-danthrusate
- these are both stimulant laxatives
- note this is because animal studies say they are potentially carcinogenic*
which laxative can be used to treat hepatic encephalopathy
lactulose
note: hepatic encephalopathy is a nervous system disorder brought on by severe liver disease
what is the first line treatment for both short-duration constipation and chronic constipation
bulk-forming laxative e.g bran,ispaghula husk (fybogel), methylcellulose and sterculia
- ensure adequate fluid intake.
- if ineffective, use osmotic laxative e.g lactulose/ macrogols*
what is the first line treatment for opioid-induced constipation
an osmotic laxative (e.g lactulose or macrogols)
or
- docusate sodium (this is both a stimulant + faecal softener)
- note: naloxegol used if these ones don’t work*
what is the first choice laxative for faecal impaction
macrogols
- this is in both adults + children
how do you manage constipation in pregnant/ breastfeeding patients
if dietary advice not worked
first:
- fibre supplements in the form of bran or wheat
if still not worked:
- bulk forming laxatives e.g bran, ispaghula husk (fybogel), methylcellulose and sterculia
*note: avoid stimulant laxatives e.g bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate, senna (especially if near full term/ unstable pregnancy)