Laxatives

Question 1

osmotic laxatives MOA

Answer 1

increase amount of fluid in bowel –> therefore soften stool

Question 2

Osmotic laxatives e.g.

Answer 2

lactulose / movicol

Question 3

Stimulant laxatives MOA

Answer 3

stimulate bowel to contract –> thus expel faeces

Question 4

Stimulant laxatives e.g.

Answer 4

senna / picosulphate

Question 5

Bulk forming laxatives MOA

Answer 5

help stool retain water and thereby soften stool

Question 6

Bulk forming e.g.

Answer 6

Ispaghula husk

Question 7

Rectal meds e.g.

Answer 7

glycerin supppository (stimulant)
phosphate enema (stimulant)

Question 8

Pts w chronic constipation will benefit from

Answer 8

stool softening laxative (movicol / lactulose) but may need glycerin suppositories initially n rectal stool

Question 9

Pts w post op ileus / opiod induced constipation / soft stool will benefit from

Answer 9

stimulant laxatives e.g. senna or picosulphate

Question 10

prophylactic laxatives should be given to

Answer 10

pts w opiod analgesia –> esp elderly (stimulant laxative)