medicines for animals with bowel function problems

Question 1

drugs used for diarrhoea

Answer 1

KAOLIN

• absorbs toxins & has non-specific binding activity
• well tolerated for dogs and cats

BISMUTH SALICYLATE

• reduces GI excessive secretion and helps with inflammation/discomfort
• do NOT use in cats

DIPHENOXYLATE and LOPERAMIDE
- both opioids and work by decreasing GIT contractions & increase water retention

ANTIMICROBIALS

• used for bacterial infections - must ensure animal really needs it
• use when high temps, decrease appetite, etc

Question 2

drugs used for difficulty of defecation

Answer 2

PARAFIN OIL
- laxative - helps faecal material move along GIT while softening/lubricating

DOCUSATE SODIUM
- laxative - allows fluid/fat to penetrate faecal mass

MAGNESIUM SULPHATE
- used in horses

LACTULOSE

• osmotic effect to have softer stool by drawing fluid in
• forms volatile fatty acids and draws in alkaline compounds

CISAPRIDE, TEGASEROD, METOCLOPRAMDE
- all prokinetic drugs which act at the 5-HT4 receptors to activate serotonin = gut mobility increased

Question 3

enemas preparations

Answer 3

• used in puppies typically when constipated

- laxative preparations that contain surfactants (soapy water added into the rectum)

Question 4

drugs used for inflammatory bowel disease

Answer 4

SULFASALAZINE

• controls/reduces inflammation
• MOA is comprised of 2 chemical groups Sulfapyridine (inactive carrier) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (anti-inflammatory)

VITAMINE B12
- releases IBD signs