Antidiarrheal Drugs

Question 1

Antidiarrheal Drug Drug Names

Answer 1

Bismuth Subsalicylate
Loperamide
Opium Derivatives

Question 2

Antidiarrheal Drugs Therapeutic Actions

Answer 2

• Slow the motility of the GI tract through direct action on the lining of the GI tract

Question 3

Antidiarrheal Drugs Indications

Answer 3

• Relief of symptoms of acute or chronic diarrhea
• Reduction of volume of discharge from ileostomies
• Prevention and treatment of traveler’s diarrhea

Question 4

Antidiarrheal Drugs Contraindications and Cautions

Answer 4

Contraindications:
• Allergy

Caution:
•	Pregnancy and Lactation
•	History of GI obstruction
•	History of acute abdominal conditions
•	Diarrhea due to poisonings

Question 5

Antidiarrheal Drugs DDI

Answer 5

DDI:
• Digoxin
• Cyclosporine
• Alcohol

Question 6

Antidiarrheal Drugs Adverse Effects

Answer 6

• Constipation
• Abdominal distension
• Abdominal discomfort
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Toxic megacolon
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness

Question 7

Antidiarrheal Drugs:

Assessment

Answer 7

Assess:
Hx: Allergy, lactation and pregnancy, acute abdominal conditions, hepatic impairment
Physical: vital signs, abdominal assessment, GI activity, elimination patterns, neurological status (baseline)
Labs: monitor results

Question 8

Antidiarrheal Drugs:

Diagnosis

Answer 8

Dx:

• Constipation
• Acute pain
• Disturbed sensory perception (kinesthetic, gustatory)
• Deficient knowledge regarding drug therapy

Question 9

Antidiarrheal Drugs:

Implementation

Answer 9

Implementation:
• Administer the drug after each unformed stool
• Keep track of the exact amount given
• Monitor the response carefully; note the frequency and characteristics of the stool
• Provide appropriate safety and comfort measures
• Provide thorough patient teaching

Question 10

Antidiarrheal Drugs:

Evaluation

Answer 10

Eval:
Response to the drug 
Adverse effects
 Effectiveness of comfort measures
Compliance with regimen
Effectiveness of teaching plan