Laxatives

Question 1

Laxatives?

Answer 1

Osmotics
Stimulants
Bulk-forming
Emollient

Question 2

Osmotics? What do they do? What are their side effects?

What are the nsg?

Answer 2

Mag citrate, Mag OX, Milk of Mag, Lactulose
Hyperosmolar salts pull water into the colon & increase water in feces to increase bulk, stimulating peristalsis
SE: fluid & electrolyte imbalances, weakness, hypotension
Nsg: Monitor renal funtion
Can cause increase in Mg (s/s: drowsiness, hypotension, flush, respiratory depression)
REMEMBER: DM pts should AVOID Lactulose

Question 3

Stimulants? What do they do? What are their side effects? What are the nsg?

Answer 3

Bisacodyl, Senna, Castor oil
Increase peristalsis by irritating sensory nerve endings in intestinal mucosa
SE: cramps, weakness, diarrhea, red-brown urine (caused from excretion of med)
Nsg: May take 6-12 hrs to be effective if taken orally
Monitor fluid & electrolyte imbalances
AVOID castor oil in pregnancy (can cause uterine contractions in later pregnancy & spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy)

Question 4

Bulk-forming? What do they do? What are their side effects? What are the nsg?

Answer 4

Psyllium, Polycarbophil, Polyethylene glycol
Absorbs water into intestines, increase bulk & peristalsis
SE: cramps, nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea
Nsg: Results in 8-12 hrs
Give with glass of water/juice & drink immediately

Question 5

Emollients? What are they used for? What do they do? What are their side effects?

Answer 5

Docusate, Mineral oil
Used for preventing constipation, decreasing straining
Lowers surface tension, promotes water accumulation in intestines, lubricates feces for easier passage
SE: cramping, N/V, diarrhea