Laxative Medications

Question 1

Patho of Pooping

Answer 1

Normally:
-the large intestine absorbs about 90% of the water that enters it.
-When the colon is working correctly, stools are soft, well-formed, and can be eliminated without straining.

Question 2

Patho of Constipation

Answer 2

If too much water is absorbed by the colon, stools can become hard and difficult to pass

Question 3

Causes of Constipation

Answer 3

• Adverse effects of medications (e.g., opioids and anticholinergics).
• Diet low in fiber
• Not drinking enough fluids.
• Immobility or lack of exercise.

Question 4

What is Hirschsprung disease?

Answer 4

• a less common cause of constipation
  -a genetic disorder in which the nerves that trigger peristalsis in the large interesting are missing.

Question 5

Signs and Symptoms

Answer 5

• Hard stools.
• Straining during bowel movements.
• Decreased frequency in stools.
• Sense of incomplete bowel movement (i.e., couldn’t finish).

Question 6

What are Major laxative types?

Answer 6

1. Bulk-forming laxatives.
2. Surfactant laxatives.
3. Stimulant laxatives.
4. Osmotic laxatives.
5. Miscellaneous laxatives.

Question 7

What are the laxatives that you should know?

Answer 7

1. Docusate
2. Lactulose
3. Polyethylene Glycol 3350
4. Senna

Question 8

Common Uses of Laxatives

Answer 8

-treat and prevent constipation
-prevent painful elimination (e.g., due to hemorrhoids or an episiotomy)
-used to prepare patients for surgeries and procedures involving the bowel.

Question 9

What type of laxative is Docusate?

Answer 9

• a surfactant laxative
  -it allows water to enter hardened stools, making them softer and easier to pass

Question 10

What type of laxative is lactulose and PEG 3350?

Answer 10

-osmotic
-They keep more water in the bowel. Water helps soften stools. The increased volume helps stimulate peristalsis.

Question 11

what type of laxative is Senna?

Answer 11

-stimulant laxative
-irritates the intestinal tract, triggering peristalsis

Question 12

Why should laxatives not be overused or abused?

Answer 12

Chronic use of laxatives can also lead to electrolyte imbalances.

Question 13

Chronic use of stimulant laxatives (Senna) can cause what?

Answer 13

decreased bowel tone which only makes problems worse
-can lead to dependency

Question 14

____ is a mild laxative that takes a few days to work

Answer 14

Docusate

Question 15

Hospitalized patients are often prescribed ______ to prevent constipation esp. if taking an opioid

Answer 15

Docusate

Question 16

docusate works best when taken with plenty of what?

Answer 16

water

Question 17

side effects of Senna

Answer 17

nausea, cramping, bloating

Question 18

Senna should not be given to patients with what? & why?

Answer 18

-intestinal blockages or obstructions
-can cause severe cramping and bowel perforation

Question 19

____ is a better option for someone with chronic constipation compared to Senna

Answer 19

PEG 3350

Question 20

This medication is well-tolerated and can often be taken on a daily basis.

Answer 20

PEG 3350

Question 21

____ is a powder you mix with water or another drink. It’s tasteless if you wait long enough for it to dissolve.

Answer 21

PEG 3350

Question 22

Which version of PEG 3350 helps replace electrolytes and is often used before bowel procedures (e.g. colonoscopies)?

Answer 22

GoLYTELY®

Question 23

Lactulose causes the intestines to excrete what?

Answer 23

ammonia

Question 24

Lactulose is commonly prescribed to patients with what disease and why?

Answer 24

liver failure; It helps correct the high serum ammonia levels associated with liver failure