IBS / Diarrhea / Constipation / NV Flashcards
What is the Gastrocolic Reflex?
-Inherent urge to have a bowel movement 30mins after ingesting a meal.
-Colon has increased motility in response to stomach stretching with meal ingestion.
Role of PNS in gastric motility? Role of SNS in gastric motility?
PNS: Stimulate it.
SNS: Inhibit it.
How long can it take food to be completely processed by the digestive tract?
1-2d
What important hormone (95% of it) is produced in the Small Intestine?
Serotonin
In terms of a multiplying factor, how many more women suffer from digestive health issues on a weekly basis (relative to men)?
2x
On average, how many liters of fluid enter the Duodenum each day?
9L
-2L from Diet & 7L from Intestinal Secretions.
Approximately how many liters of fluid are absorbed by the Small Intestine each day? Large Intestine?
SI: 8L
Colon: 0.85L (850mL)
About how many mL’s of fluid are excreted in stool each day?
150mL
What could be some underlying causes as to why someone might have increasing constipation as they age?
-Disease States
-Drug Causes
-Immobile
-Fluid Intake (maybe)
Medically speaking, how is constipation defined?
< 3 bowel movements / week
What is the most common pattern of bowel movements (how many per day)?
1 per day (but pattern is seen in less than 50% of people)
Do most people have a bowel movement each day?
Nope (most people are irregular)
What are some major complications that can arise from constipation?
-Anal Fissures / Tears
-Rectal Bleeding
-Hemorrhoids
-Abdominal Swelling
-Bloating
Is constipation simply infrequent stool passages?
Nope… Can mean hard stools, difficulty passing stools (straining), or a sense of incomplete emptying after bowel movements.
Is pain a characteristic sign of constipation?
Nope… Consistent pain means start thinking of other conditions (ie. IBS).
How do anal fissures in kids bring upon constipation?
Induces withdrawal from performing normal bowel movements.
What is the most commonly encountered bowel type condition that we as Pharmacists encounter?
IBS (even more so than constipation).
After how many days should we expect to refer constipated patients to a Doctor (if OTC things don’t work)?
-7d (for lack of bowel movement)
-21d (for lingering constipation)
What are some red flags that can come about from being constipated?
-Change to Stool Texture
-Change to BM Routine
-Blood
-Hemorrhoids
-Weight Loss
-Reduced Appetite
-NV
-Frequent Pain
-Narrowing Stools
-Unresponsive to OTC Treatments
If left untreated, constipation can lead to what?
-Hemorrhoids
-Rectal Prolapse (part of Intestine pushes through Anus)
What are some causes of Large Bowel Obstruction?
-Growth / Tumor (most common cause)
-Volvulus
-Bowel Strictures caused by scar tissue formation
-Intussusception
-Impacted Stool
Symptoms of Large Bowel Obstruction?
-Belly Cramping
-Belly Swelling / Bloating
-Unable to Pass Gas
-Unable to Pass Stool
-Vomiting
Are Large Bowel Obstructions slow or quick in symptomatic progression?
Quick (& usually very dramatic, as those with LBO’s can’t pass Stools at all).
Is excessive fluid intake a good treatment option for someone with constipation?
Nope… Don’t need 2L of fluid intake per day (ingestion of 2L even through diet is fine). Just want to aim for normal hydration levels.
If I’m a chronic coffee drinker & have acute constipation, would I be in a fluid deficit (& thus require more fluid intake)?
Nope… Those who have coffee chronically are in no fluid deficits. Only those who don’t drink it & have one may be in slight fluid deficits.
Is upping fiber intake a good idea for treating constipation?
Not a bad move.
Some examples of foods that increase dietary fiber intake?
-Granola Bar (1g)
-1/4 cup Cashews (1g)
-Apple (3g)
-3/4 cup Bran Flakes (5g)
-3 tsp Metamucil (3.5g)
-Bran Muffin (4g)
Nursing Care plays a big role in ______ ________.
bowel retraining
What fruit is particularly effective as a natural laxative & contains both insoluble / soluble fiber (as well as antioxidants)?
Prunes
What agent contained within Prunes allows it to act as a natural laxative?
Sorbitol
For an adult wanting to use Prunes as a fiber enhancer, how much should they start by adding?
Approximately 4 Prunes (or 1/2 cup Prune Juice)
What are 1st line agents for constipative prevention?
Bulk Forming Agents… Forms of Soluble Fiber.
-Psyllium (Metamucil)
-Inulin
-Bran
Which one has a more gritty palatability to it: Inulin or Psyllium?
Psyllium
How many Oat Bran tablets per day are needed to be ingested in order to reach Bran Muffin levels of Fiber?
5-6tabs / day
How many days does it take for Bulk Forming Agents to work?
2-3d
How fast does Senna work? Enemas?
Senna: 6hrs
Enema: 15mins
How do Bulk Forming Agents work?
-Swell in Intestinal Fluid & create a gel-like substance (which facilitates passage).
Why should Psyllium be taken immediately with water?
-As it thickens upon standing (disgusting palatability & obstructive potential increases).
T or F: Psyllium administration requires a lot of additional water intake.
False… Isn’t a “jelly plug”. Regular water intake fine.
How should we start dosing Psyllium?
1 rounded tsp BID (then scale back every 3d until constipation is under management).
What does the body sometimes do to clear out Psyllium-Induced Obstructions (although very rare)?
Diarrhea (body attempts to generate more fluid to clear obstruction).
What was the original culprit of Psyllium-Induced Obstructions?
Formulation itself (used to come in granular form).
The Prodiem product with blue packaging contains what? Green packing contains what?
Blue: Sennosides (for acute relief of constipation).
Green: Polycarbophil (for prevention of constipation).
Prodiem Overnight Relief Therapy provides constipative relief in how many hours? Bulk Fiber Therapy provides relief in how many hours?
ORT: 6-12hrs
BFT: 12-72hrs
Product comparison: Psyllium vs. Inulin…
Psyllium: Thickens, OD-TID use, mix with water, lowers Cholesterol (5%).
Inulin: Non-Thickening, OD-TID use, add to fluid or food, lesser Cholesterol effects than Psyllium.
How do Metamucil Capsules differ from Metamucil Gummies (ie. Active ingredient used)?
Caps: Psyllium
Gummy: Inulin
How many Metamucil Capsules need to be taken each day to have the same effects as the powder?
6-8 Capsules
Why is Senna not favorable to use for chronic constipation flare-ups?
Alters normal gut etiology
Docusate is classified as a _____ ________.
stool softener
How does Docusate work?
Detergent (Micelle formation that allows better mixing of aqueous & fatty compounds)
What complaint does Jeff have about Docusate usage?
Vast majority of people underdosed (1-2 caps standard; should jump to using 4-8 caps instead).
For most people taking Docusate, when should we expect to see maximal effects (after how many days)?
1-2d (for some, up to 3-5d)
For Nursing Home patients, how many capsules of Docusate should they get each day? Palliative Care patients?
NH: 4 Caps / Day
PC: Up to 8 Caps / Day
Why is Mineral Oil contraindicated for concurrent use with Docusate?
Docusate greatly increases Serum Mineral Oil levels.
T or F: The brand name Docusate product Surfak (with 240mg Docusate Ca2+) is stronger / more effective than Colace (with 100mg Docusate Na+).
False… Are equipotent.
Are the Docusate concentrations in Senokot S effective?
Nope… 50mg (vs. 100mg in Colace) is sub-therapeutic.
What are the main problems with using Mineral Oil as a constipation lubricating agent?
-Anal Seepage
-Lipid Pneumonia (especially laying down)
No issues with fat-soluble vitamin absorption!
Why do we avoid bedtime dosing with Mineral Oil in order to treat constipation?
Risk of Lipid Pneumonia (that worsens when one lies down)
How long does orally administered Mineral Oil take to work?
6-8hrs
How do Osmotic agents such as Citro Mag work in the gut?
Formulation incorporates non-absorbable ions (ie. Mg2+ Citrate, MgOH), which remain in the gut & draws water towards them.
What are the primary indications for Osmotic / Saline agents?
-Bowel Evacuations (for Colonoscopies or acute constipative relief)
-Overnight Relief (Phillips)
How is Phillips MOM traditionally dosed for laxation? As an antacid agent?
Laxative: 30-60mL HS
Antacid: 5-15mL QID
What people should take caution using Osmotic Laxatives chronically?
-CHF & Chronic Renal Insufficiency (due to effects on electrolyte imbalances, fluid & salt overload).