Lower GI drugs Flashcards
Important regulators of motility and water absorption
- -Acetylcholine
- -Serotonin
- -Dopamine
- -Enkephalins
Where is 5HT released from?
Enterochromaffin Cells (function as sensory receptors)
What drugs work at the level of the sensory neurons?
SSRI’s, bulk-forming laxatives, contact cathartics, 5HT3 antagonists, 5HT4 agonists
Afferent neuron NTs
cGRP, glutamate, substance P
5HT
Major player in lower GI pathology, especially IBS
SSRI drug names
Fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline
What are SSRI’s most beneficial in treating (related to GI)?
–Constipation predominant IBS
Mechanism of SSRIs in GI system
Decrease reuptake of 5HT into EC cells –> increase 5HT in synapse–> increase afferent activity –> increase peristalsis
Bulk laxative names
Dietary fiber, methylcellulose, polycarbophil, psyllium
Bulk laxative MOA
- -Drugs that attract H2O and increase stool mass
- -Act as “stool stabilizers”
- -Increase lumen distention
How do bulk laxatives act on diarrhea?
Decrease bowel movements, make stool more solid and decrease pain
How do bulk laxatives act on constipation?
Increase bowel movements, makes stool more loose, decrease pain
What factors limit the use of bulk laxatives?
- Neurons generating peristaltic reflex must be functional (enteric system must be working)
- Cause of constipation must be known
Side effects of bulk laxatives
Allergies, increased flatulence, increased obstruction
Contact cathartic names
Anthraquinone derivatives, bisacodyl, castor oil
Anthraquinone derivative names
Casacara sagrada, danthron, senna
Bisacodyl
- -Prodrug
- -Almost 6 hr latency to effect
- -Acts on large intestine
- -Less potent than castor oil
Anthraquinones
- -Act on large intestine
- -Less potent than castor oil
Castor oil
- -Acts on both small and large intestine
- -Short latency
- -Extremely potent effects
- -More significant side effects
- -Activate ricinoteric acid
Contact cathartic MOA?
Thought to be irritation of mucosa
Not sure if dependent on enteric nervous system
Side effects of contact cathartics
- -Dependency (can’t have BM until take the drug)
- -Destroy myenteric plexus long term
- -Pigmentation of the mucosa (“melonosis coli”)
Additional side effects of castor oil
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, uterine contractions
5HT3 receptor antagonist
Alosetron
Alosetron MOA
- -Decrease afferent stimulation–> decreases peristalsis
- -Longer duration of action than antiemetic
Alosetron therapeutic uses
Diarrhea predominant IBS
- -Only used when everything else has failed
- -Restricted use (compassionate use only)
Alosetron side effects
- -Constipation (30% of patients, 10% must stop drug, 0.1% require hospitalization)
- -0.3% develop ischemic colitis–> can be fatal, increased with inhibitors and substrates of Cyp1A2
5HT4 receptor agonists
Cisapride (also a 5HT3 antagonist) and tegaserod (more selective)
5HT4 receptor agonists MOA
Receptors located on presynaptic terminals–> increase release of NT from afferent neurons–> increase peristalisis
5HT4 receptor agonists therapeutic use
- -Used when no other options available, restricted availability
- -Tegaserod: constipation predominant IBS
5HT4 receptor agonist side effects
- -CV toxicity (esp. arrhythmias–long QT)
- -85% w/long QT had pre-existing conditions and/or admin of Cyp3A4 inhibitors
Opiates (that work in GI system) drug names
- -Loperamide
- -Diphenoxylate
Opiate action in GI system
Decrease both GI motility and water excretion and are the most effective antidiarrheal drugs
Can loperamide or diphenoxylate cross the BBB?
Loperamide cannot, but diphenoxylate can sort of cross the BBB (so given via prescription)
What can be used to offset the constipation caused by opiate analgesics?
Alvimopan and methylnaltroxone
What are the Mu receptor antagonists?
Alvimopan and methylnaltroxone
Opiate MOA
- -Inhibition of motility and secretion
- –Generally don’t cross the BBB very well
Why is diphenoxylate usually given with atropine?
Atropine blocks muscarinic receptors–> decreases contraction and also has unpleasant side effects making it less likely to be abused