Laxative Medications Flashcards
Patho of Pooping
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.
Patho of Constipation
If too much water is absorbed by the colon, stools can become hard and difficult to pass
Causes of Constipation
- Adverse effects of medications (e.g., opioids and anticholinergics).
- Diet low in fiber
- Not drinking enough fluids.
- Immobility or lack of exercise.
What is Hirschsprung disease?
- a less common cause of constipation
-a genetic disorder in which the nerves that trigger peristalsis in the large interesting are missing.
Signs and Symptoms
- Hard stools.
- Straining during bowel movements.
- Decreased frequency in stools.
- Sense of incomplete bowel movement (i.e., couldn’t finish).
What are Major laxative types?
- Bulk-forming laxatives.
- Surfactant laxatives.
- Stimulant laxatives.
- Osmotic laxatives.
- Miscellaneous laxatives.
What are the laxatives that you should know?
- Docusate
- Lactulose
- Polyethylene Glycol 3350
- Senna
Common Uses of Laxatives
-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.
What type of laxative is Docusate?
- a surfactant laxative
-it allows water to enter hardened stools, making them softer and easier to pass
What type of laxative is lactulose and PEG 3350?
-osmotic
-They keep more water in the bowel. Water helps soften stools. The increased volume helps stimulate peristalsis.
what type of laxative is Senna?
-stimulant laxative
-irritates the intestinal tract, triggering peristalsis
Why should laxatives not be overused or abused?
Chronic use of laxatives can also lead to electrolyte imbalances.
Chronic use of stimulant laxatives (Senna) can cause what?
decreased bowel tone which only makes problems worse
-can lead to dependency
____ is a mild laxative that takes a few days to work
Docusate
Hospitalized patients are often prescribed ______ to prevent constipation esp. if taking an opioid
Docusate
docusate works best when taken with plenty of what?
water
side effects of Senna
nausea, cramping, bloating
Senna should not be given to patients with what? & why?
-intestinal blockages or obstructions
-can cause severe cramping and bowel perforation
____ is a better option for someone with chronic constipation compared to Senna
PEG 3350
This medication is well-tolerated and can often be taken on a daily basis.
PEG 3350
____ is a powder you mix with water or another drink. It’s tasteless if you wait long enough for it to dissolve.
PEG 3350
Which version of PEG 3350 helps replace electrolytes and is often used before bowel procedures (e.g. colonoscopies)?
GoLYTELY®
Lactulose causes the intestines to excrete what?
ammonia
Lactulose is commonly prescribed to patients with what disease and why?
liver failure; It helps correct the high serum ammonia levels associated with liver failure
