Laxatives Flashcards
Lactulose
- Class
- MoA
- Indications
- Side effects
- Contraindications
- Extra info
Class:
Osmotic laxative
MoA:
Pulls water into colon causing distension and therefore peristalsis
Indications:
Constipation, prophylaxis of hepatic encephalopathy
Side effects:
Gastrointetsinal disturbance
Contraindications:
Galactosemia, gastro-intestinal obstruction, risk of perforation
Extra info:
Sweet-tasting syrup. Also decreases the intestinal production/absorption of ammonia making it useful in liver disease. Requires adequate fluid intake.
Macrogol
- Class
- MoA
- Contraindications
- Side effects
- Extra info
Class:
Osmotic laxative
MoA:
Pulls water into colon causing distension and therefore peristalsis
Contraindications:
Ileus, obstruction, severe IBD, risk of perforation
Side effects:
Gastrointestinal disturbance
Extra info:
First line for faecal impaction in children
Ispaghula husk (fybogel)
- Class
- MoA
- Side effects
- Contraindications
- Extra info
Class:
Bulk-forming laxative
MoA:
Increases faecal mass to stimulate peristalsis
Indications:
First line for chronic constipation in otherwise healthy patients
Side-effects:
Gastrointestinal disturbance
Contraindications:
Colonic atony, faecal impaction, obstruction, undiagnosed rectal bleeding
Extra info:
Fluid intake has to be maintained to prevent obstruction (must not take before bed).
Senna
- Class
- MoA
- Indications
- Contraindications
- Side effects
- Extra info
Class:
Stimulant laxative
MoA:
Metabolism produces an anthrone component which stimulates peristalsis.
Indications:
First line for drug induced constipation.
Contraindications:
Atony, obstruction, undioagnosed abdominal pain
Side effects:
Albuminuria, diarrhoea, electrolyte abnormalities, abdominal pain, haematuria, psuedomelanosis coli, skin reactions, urine discoloration
Extra info:
Prolonged use can cause hypokalemia. Works rapidly.
Sodium docusate
- Class
- MoA
- Contraindications
- Side effects
- Extra info
Class:
Stool softening laxative
MoA:
Softens stool by increasing the water content
Contraindications:
Intestinal obstruction
Side effects:
Gastrointestinal disturbance
Extra info:
Often used in conjuction with other laxatives
