Laxatives Flashcards
Bulk forming does what
absorbs water
Saline and osmotic do what
cathartic
Stimulant does what
promotes peristalsis
Surfactant does what
softens stool
Herbal agents are
self treatment
Bulk forming laxative
Psyllium Mucilloid (Metamucil)
Psyllium Mucilloid (Metamucil) does what?
Prevention and treatment for constipation
Adverse effects for Psyllium Mucilloid (Metamucil)
- Abdominal Cramping
- Fainting
Nursing concerns for Psyllium Mucilloid (Metamucil)
- Takes 24-48 hours to work
- Take with plenty of H2O
- Only one you can use for long-term
Saline and Osmotic Laxative
Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): Make sure completely dissolved in solution
Polyethylene Glycol (Miralax)
Sodium Bisphosphate (Fleet Phospho-Soda)
Indication for Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), Polyethylene Glycol (Miralax), Sodium Bisphosphate (Fleet Phospho-Soda)
- Highly effective for colonoscopy prep and reducing ammonia in liver failure
- Constipation
- Not long term use
Adverse effects for Saline & Osmotic Laxatives
Dehydration/Fluid & Electrolyte depletion
Nursing concerns for Saline & Osmotic Laxatives
- Drink a lot of H2O because to prevent dehydration
- Takes 1-6 hours to work in high doses
- Stay near toilet
Stimulant Laxative
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) Castor Oil (emulsoil)
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
Castor Oil (emulsoil)
is used for
- Often used for bowel prep prior exam or surgery or constipation in general
- Not long term use
Adverse effects for Stimulant Laxatives
- Laxative dependent
- Fluid and electrolyte depletion
Nursing concerns for Stimulant laxatives
- Takes 6 to 12 by oral OR 1 to 6 hrs by rectal
- Stay near toilet
Stool softner/sufactants
Docusate (Colace)
Docusate (Colace)
is used for
Often used for prevention NOT treatment for constipation (after surgery, injury and MI)
Adverse effects for Docusate (Colace)
Abdominal cramping
Diarrhea
Nursing concerns for Docusate (Colace)
Takes 24-48 hours
Miscellaneous/Lubricants
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is used for
Constipation
Adverse effects for Mineral Oil
- Interferes with fat soluble vitamins (KADE)
- Aspiration Pneumonia
