Laxatives Flashcards
Name 3 classes of laxatives.
- Stool softeners
- Stimulant laxatives
- Osmotic laxatives
Name 3 stool softeners.
- Docusate
- Liquid paraffin
- Poloxamer
Name 3 stimulant laxatives.
- Bisacodyl
- Senna
- Sodium picosulfate
Name 5 osmotic laxatives.
- Glycerol
- Lactulose
- Macrogol laxatives
- Saline laxatives
- Sorbitol
What type of laxative is docusate?
Stool softener
What are 4 common adverse effects of docusate?
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Rash
What is an important counselling point with docusate?
Take the tablets with plenty of fluid
What is the onset of action of docusate?
1 to 3 days.
What type of laxative is senna?
Stimulant laxative
What is an infrequent adverse effect of senna?
Discolouration of urine (yellowish brown or red)
What is the onset of action of senna?
6 to 12 hours
What type of laxative is lactulose?
An osmotic laxative.
What are 3 common adverse effects of lactulose?
- Flatulence
- Abdominal discomfort
- Cramps
What is an important counselling point with lactulose?
This medicine tastes very sweet; it may help to mix it with fruit juice, water or milk.
What is the onset of action of lactulose?
1 to 3 days
What type of laxative is macrogol?
An osmotic laxative
Describe the risk of fluid and electrolyte disturbances with macrogol.
Fluid and electrolyte disturbances are less of a risk with macrogol laxatives than with other osmotic laxatives (eg saline laxatives).
What are 7 common adverse effects of macrogol?
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Anal irritation
- Abdominal distension
- Cramps
- Pain
What is abdominal distention?
Bloating or swelling in the abdomen.
Can macrogol be given via PEG tube?
Macrogol can be given via PEG tube but must be made with at least 125 mL of water.
