Week 11 - Chapter 80 Other Gastrointestinal Drugs Flashcards
Antidiarrheals
agents that act on or within the bowel to provide symptomatic relief; these drugs do not influence the underlying cause.
Antiemetics
given to suppress nausea and vomiting.
Cannabinoids
pproved for medical use in the United States. Both drugs are related to marijuana (Cannabis sativa). Dronabinol (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; THC) is the principal psychoactive agent in C. sativa. Nabilone is a synthetic derivative of dronabinol. A third cannabinoid preparation, sold as Sativex image (a combination of THC and cannabidiol), is available in Canada (for treating neuropathic pain) but is not FDA approved in the United States.
Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone
Indirect-acting stimuli first activate the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), which in turn activates the vomiting center. Activation of the CTZ occurs in two ways: (1) by signals from the stomach and small intestine (traveling along vagal afferents) and (2) by the direct action of emetogenic compounds (eg, anticancer drugs, opioids, ipecac) that are carried to the CTZ in the blood. Once activated, the vomiting center signals the stomach, diaphragm, and abdominal muscles; the resulting coordinated response expels gastric contents.
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Many anticancer drugs cause severe nausea and vomiting, leading to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, nutrient depletion, and esophageal tears. Worse yet, these reactions can be so intense that patients may discontinue chemotherapy rather than endure further discomfort. Fortunately, CINV can be minimized with the antiemetics.
Cholelithiasis
development of gallstones
Crohn’s Disease
characterized by transmural inflammation, and usually affects the terminal ileum, but can also affect all other parts of the GI tract.
Diabetic Gastroparesis
also called delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder that slows or stops the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. Normally, the muscles of the stomach, which are controlled by the vagus nerve, contract to break up food and move it through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Diarrhea
characterized by stools of excessive volume and fluidity, and by increased frequency of defecation
Emesis
complex reflex brought about by activating the vomiting center, a nucleus of neurons located in the medulla oblongata. Some stimuli activate the vomiting center directly; others act indirectly
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
has two forms: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both diseases produce abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
most common disorder of the GI tract. A GI disorder characterized by crampy abdominal pain—sometimes severe—occurring in association with diarrhea, constipation, or both. Formally, IBS is defined by the presence, for at least 12 weeks in the past year, of abdominal pain or discomfort that cannot be explained by structural or chemical abnormalities. More common in women.
Oral Mucositis
a serious and painful complication of cancer chemoradiotherapy. It can lead to several problems, including pain, nutritional problems as a result of inability to eat, and increased risk of infection due to open sores in the mucosa.
Prokinetic Drugs
increase the tone and motility of the GI tract. Indications include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), CINV, and diabetic gastroparesis.
Traveler’s Diarrhea
In most cases, the causative organism is Escherichia coli. As a rule, treatment is unnecessary: Infection with E. coli is self-limited and will run its course in a few days
