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Flashcards in Laxatives Deck (16)
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1
Q

name 3 bulk laxatives

A

ispagula husk
methylcellulose
Sterculia

2
Q

how do bulk laxatives work?

A

indigestible hydrophilic agents

attract water to stool increasing bulk and stimulating peristalsis

3
Q

cautions for all laxatives?

A

don’t use if bowel obstructed or at risk of obstruction

4
Q

indications for bulk laxative use?

A

constipation and faecal impaction
viral/bacterial gastritis
mild chronic diarrhoea (eg. assoc with IBS)

5
Q

side effects of bulk laxatives?

A

abdo distension and flatulence

rare = faecal impaction and GI obstruction

6
Q

name 4 osmotic laxatives

A

lactulose
macrogols
citrate
phosphate enemas

7
Q

how do osmotic laxatives work?

A
osmotically active (sugars and alcohol) and not digested or absorbed
attract water to stool increasing bulk and stimulating peristalsis
8
Q

how does lactulose work specifically?

A

reduces ammonia absorption via deceasing transit time

this acidifies the stool and inhibits proliferation of ammonia producing bacteria which helps liver failure

9
Q

what are the indications for osmotic laxatives?

A

constipation and faecal impaction
bowel prep for surgery
hepatic encepahlopathy

10
Q

what are the side effects of osmotic laxatives?

A

abdo pain and diarrhoea

phosphate enemas = local irritation and electrolyte disturbance

11
Q

when must phosphate enemas be used with caution?

A

heart failure and electrolyte disturbance as they cause fluid shift

12
Q

name 4 stimulant laxatives

A

senna
bisocodyl
glycerol suppository
docusate sodium

13
Q

how do stimulant laxatives work?

A

increase water and electrolyte secretion from colonic mucosa increasing colon contents and stimulating peristalsis
can directly stimulate peristalsis via action on enteric NS
docusate sodium has stool softening action

14
Q

indications for stimulant laxatives?

A

constipation

faecal impaciton

15
Q

side effects of stimulant laxatives?

A

abdo pain and cramping
diarrhoea
prolonged use = irreversible atonic colon and reversible melanosis coli

16
Q

what might stimulant laxatives be prescribed alongside?

A

long term opiates