Term
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Definition
•Abnormal passage of stools with increased frequency, fluidity, and weight, or with increased stool water excretion |
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Term
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Definition
•Sudden onset in a previously healthy person
•Lasts from 3 days to 2 weeks
•Self-limiting
•Resolves without sequelae |
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Term
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Definition
•Lasts for over 3 to 4 weeks
•Associated with recurring passage of diarrheal stools, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and chronic weakness |
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Term
Antidiarrheals: Mechanism of Action
Absorbents |
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Definition
•Coat the walls of the GI tract
•Bind to the causative bacteria or toxin, which
are then eliminated through the stool
Examples: bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), kaolin-pectin, activated charcoal, attapulgite (Kaopectate) |
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Term
Antidiarrheals: Mechanism of Action
Anticholinergics |
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Definition
•Decrease intestinal muscle tone and peristalsis of GI tract
•Result: slowing the movement of fecal matter through the GI tract
Examples: belladonna alkaloids (Donnatal), atropine, hyoscyamine |
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Term
Antidiarrheals: Mechanism of Action
Intestinal Flora Modifiers
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Definition
•Bacterial cultures of Lactobacillus organisms
work by:
–Supplying missing bacteria to the GI tract
–Suppressing the growth of diarrhea-causing bacteria
Examples: Lactobacillus acidophilus (Lactinex)
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Term
Antidiarrheals: Mechanism of Action
Opiates |
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Definition
•Decrease bowel motility and relieve rectal spasms
•Decrease transit time through the bowel, allowing more time for water and electrolytes to be absorbed
Examples: paregoric, opium tincture, codeine, loperamide, diphenoxylate |
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Term
Antidiarrheal Agents: Side Effects
Anticholinergics |
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Definition
•Urinary retention, hesitancy, impotence
•Headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, drowsiness
•Dry skin, rash, flushing
•Blurred vision, photophobia, increased
intraocular pressure |
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Term
Antidiarrheal Agents: Side Effects
Opiates |
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Definition
•Drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, lethargy
•Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, constipation
•Respiratory depression
•Bradycardia, palpitations, hypotension
•Urinary retention
•Flushing, rash, urticaria |
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Term
| Antidiarrheal Agents: Interactions |
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Definition
•Adsorbents decrease the absorption of many agents, including digoxin, clindamycin, quinidine, and hypoglycemic agents
•Adsorbents cause increased bleeding times when given with anticoagulants
•Antacids can decrease effects of anticholinergic antidiarrheal agents |
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Term
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Definition
•Abnormally infrequent and difficult passage of feces through the lower GI tract.
•Symptom, not a disease
•Disorder of movement through the colon and/or rectum
•Can be caused by a variety of diseases
or drugs |
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Term
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Definition
Metabolic and endocrine disorders
•Diabetes, hypothyroidism, pregnancy
Neurogenic
•Autonomic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord lesions, Parkinson’s disease, CVA
Adverse drug effects
•Analgesics, anticholinergics, iron supplements, opiates, aluminum antacids, calcium antacids |
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Term
| Laxatives : mechanism of action |
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Definition
•Bulk-forming
•Emollient
•Hyperosmotic
•Saline
•Stimulant |
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Term
| Why are laxatives bulk forming? |
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Definition
•High fiber
•Absorbs water to increase bulk
•Distends bowel to initiate reflex bowel activity
Examples: psyllium (Metamucil), methylcellulose (Citrucel), polycarbophil |
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Term
| Why are laxatives considered emollients? |
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Definition
becuase they
•Stool softeners and lubricants
•Promote more water and fat in the stools
•Lubricate the fecal material and intestinal walls
Examples: Stool softeners: docusate salts (Colace, Surfak) Lubricants: mineral oil |
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Term
| Why are laxative hyperosmotics? |
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Definition
because they
•Increase fecal water content
•Result: bowel distention, increased peristalsis,
and evacuation
Examples: polyethylene glycol (GoLYTELY), sorbitol, glycerin, lactulose (Chronulac |
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Term
| Laxatives that contain saline do what? |
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Definition
•Increase osmotic pressure within the intestinal tract, causing more water to enter the intestines
•Result: bowel distention, increased peristalsis, and evacuation
Examples: magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) magnesium hydroxide (MOM), magnesium citrate sodium phosphate (Fleet Phospho-Soda |
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Term
| Laxatives that are stimulants do what? |
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Definition
•Increases peristalsis via intestinal nerve stimulation
Examples: castor oil, senna, cascara, bisacodyl |
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