Constipation Flashcards
1
Q
What is constipation?
A
Difficult/infrequent defecation
2
Q
What are the causes of constipation?
A
1) Neurogenic disorders of large intestine (reduced persistalsis)
2) Abdominal muscle weakeness
3) Diet of poor fibres
4) Sedentary lifestyle
5) Antidepressants
6) Opiates
7) Ageing
3
Q
What are Purgatives?
A
Synonym for laxatives
4
Q
Give 4 examples of purgatives?
A
1) Bulk laxatives (not digestable)
2) Osmotic laxatives (MgOH2)- poorly absorbed solutes
3) Faecal softener (arachis oil) - Enema
4) Stimulant laxatives (senna)- increase peristalsis
5
Q
Which drugs increase GI motility without purgation?
A
Antiemetics (dimperidone)- ^ GI motility
