Module 4: Laxatives, Antidiarrhea Digavalli Flashcards
Dr. Digavalli EXAM V (40 cards)
Definition of Constipation
< 3 Bowel movements per week !!!
-too little mass
-too dry (reabsorption)
-incomplete evacuation
-too little dietary fiber, too little physical activity
-women 2x as prone
-older adults (25-50%)
What are neuro or endocrine disorders causing constipation?
-Neuro: Parkinson’s disease
-Endocrine: diabetes (degeneration of neurons in the gut system), hypothyroidism
-drug-induced
Drugs causing constipation
-Anticholinergics (e.g. atropine, dicyclomine )
-Antihistaminics (first gen only)
-Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. )
-Ca++ channel blockers
-NSAIDS
-Al+3 containing antacids
-Alosetron (Lotronex) - used in diarrhea-predominant IBS
-Opiates (e.g. loperamide)
Why do anticholinergics cause constipation?
Blockage of ACh receptors
-ACh stimulates gut motility
Why do TCAs and Antihistamines (1st) cause constipation?
due to their anticholinergic effect
-dry mouth, slow gut, …
Why do NSAIDs cause constipation?
-prostaglandins cause smooth muscle contraction
-NSAIDs block prostaglandin production
How do Bulk-forming agents work as a Laxative?
-absorbing water
-swells and distends -> distends the wall -> stimulation of peristalsis
-Methylcellulose
-Polycarbophil
-Psyllium (natural fiber -> prebiotic)
Which bulk-forming agent may cause bloating and gas?
Psyllium (Metamucil, a fiber)
How do Lubricating agents work as Laxatives?
reduces water absorption, prevents fecal impaction, keeps the feces wet
-often used for kids (suppository)
-Glycerin
-Mineral oil (oral)
-Magnesium hydroxide and mineral oil
Where are Stool softeners used?
-hospital-setting
-preventing strain of the rectum
-hydrates the stool as a surfactant by reducing the barrier between water and the stool
-Docusate sodium
Saline (Lactulose, sorbitol, PEG)
hydration of the stool by osmotic pressure
-colonoscopy
-magnesium hydroxide
-PEG (Golytely, Nulytely) -> salts added to compensate for salt loss when water is absorbed and excreted with feces
-Miralax
Stimulants
-triggering peristalsis
-stimulates nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and release of platelet active factor -> secretion and motility
-Bisacodyl
-Sodium bicarbonate and potassium bitartrate
-Sennosides
-Castor oil
-Senna
Signs of abuse from laxatives
-loss of fluids/electrolytes
-steatorrhea (fat in stool)
-hypoalbuminemia
-osteomalacia (bone softening)
How does Lubiprostone work?
-PGE2 agonist (prostaglandin) -> EP4 receptor
-Chloride channel activator
-works locally, not absorbed
-stimulates Cl(-) channel efflux (G2 coupled)
-Na+ will follow through the paracellular pathway
-water will follow
Indication of Lubiprostone
-for chronic idiopathic constipation
-IBS-C and opioid-induced constipation
MOA of Linaclotide (Linzess) and Plecanatide
-MOA similar to cholera toxin for IBS-C
1. Guanylate cyclase C activation -> increase in GMP 2. secretion of Cl(-) and HCO3(-)
3. Na+ follows passively the negative ion gradient
4. H20 follows the osmotic gradient
cGMP reduces visceral pain
-> increases of 1–2 bowel movements per week
How is Linaclotide different from other laxatives?
no dependence
How does Tegaserod work
5-HT4 agonist (serotonin)
-stimulates peristaltic reflex on 5HT4
receptors on the enteric nervous system
-proximal contraction and distal relaxation
-for IBS-C
Which drugs antagonize peripheral opioid
agonist effects?
Postop ileus
-Methylnaltrexone Br
-Alvimopan
-work systemically but do not cross the BBB! (the other laxatives work locally)
-reverse postop opioid-induced constipation (paralyzation of the gut)
How do opioids cause constipation?
-enhance moisture reabsorption
-reduce motility
-increase sphincter tone (it doesn’t relax)
-prolong postop ileus (paralyzed colon - no contraction) -> opioids bind to mu receptors
(Loperamide (Imodium), an opioid is used to treat diarrhea by its constipating effect, but doesn’t cross BBB)
What is the non-pharmacological approach to increasing bowel movement?
-dietary fiber
-30g/day
-soluble: gel-forming (pectin, psyllium inulin) - may cause bloating
-insoluble: bulk-forming (methylcellulose, cellulose, lignin, synthetic fiber) -> doesn’t feed bacteria
Benefits of fibers
-Improves regularity (bulk and hydration)
- Increases transit time (and nutrient absorption; why?)
- Improves blood glucose profile -> slows down glucose absorption into the bloodstream
- Reduces blood cholesterol -> absorbs cholesterol -> feces
- Nurtures “good bacteria” (why?)
- Improves barrier function (butyric acid feeds gut epithelia)
- Healthy weight and longevity
Definition of diarrhea
more than 3 Bowel movements/week
-hypersecretion (ions/paracellular fluid draw)
-osmotic imbalance (ions, protein, AAs exudation)
-Accelerated motility
How do PPIs cause diarrhea?
-increased risk for C. diff with long-term use
-> diarrhea