Drug Side Effects (GI)

Question 1

5-HT3 receptor antagonists.

Answer 1

Constipation, may cause long QT if used with other QT prolonging drugs.

Question 2

Neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists.

Answer 2

Hiccups, constipation/diarrhoea, fatigue, flatulence.

Question 3

Muscarinic ACh receptor antagonist.

Answer 3

Associated with decreased parasympathetic stimulation: dry mouth, constipation, dilation of pupils, drowsiness, blurred vision.

Question 4

H1 receptor antagonists (anti-emetics).

Answer 4

Same as anti-muscarinics but also drowsiness and sedation.

Question 5

Dopamine receptor antagonist: domperidone.

Answer 5

Prolongs QT interval.

Question 6

Dopamine receptor antagonist: metoclopramide.

Answer 6

Extra-pyramidal effects esp in young adults and the elderly.

Question 7

Cannabinoid receptor agonists.

Answer 7

Mood and behavioural changes, hallucination/psychosis, confusion/euphoria, drowsiness, vertigo.

Question 8

Antacids.

Answer 8

Aluminium - constipation.

Magnesium - diarrhoea.

Question 9

Alginate rafts (gaviscon).

Answer 9

No side effects.

Question 10

PPIs.

Answer 10

GI disturbances, headaches, bacterial overgrowths (c.diff), increased incidence of respiratory and enteric infections.

Question 11

H2 receptor antagonist (ranitidine).

Answer 11

GI disturbances, rash.

Question 12

Mucosal protectants: sucralfate.

Answer 12

Constipation, bezoar formation, GI obstruction.

Question 13

Mucosal protectans: bismuth chealate.

Answer 13

Darken tongue and faeces, N+V.

Question 14

Anti-motility drugs.

Answer 14

Constipation, urinary retention, drowsiness (codeine), anti-secretory effects e.g. dry mouth.

Question 15

Stimulants.

Answer 15

Abdominal cramps.

Question 16

Dantron.

Answer 16

Skin irritant, carcinogenic.

Question 17

Abuse/overuse of laxatives/purgatives.

Answer 17

Hypokalaemia, dehydration, dependency and tolerance.

Question 18

Glucocorticoids.

Answer 18

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush), adrenal suppression, cushingoid symptoms, weight gain, immunosuppressant, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus.

Question 19

5-aminosalicylates.

Answer 19

Diarrhoea, nausea, interstitial nephritis, yellow-orange skin and urine and body fluids discolouration, staining of contact lens, haemoatological toxicity, hepatotoxicity.

Question 20

Pancreatin.

Answer 20

Peri-oral skin irritation, buccal mucosa irritation, peri-anal skin irritation, N&V.