Combination Therapies for Constipation Treatment

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Which of the following statements about combination therapies for constipation is correct?

They are a recent development in modern medicine.
They target different mechanisms responsible for different symptoms in the same patient. (correct)
They are universally effective for all types of constipation.
They are only used as a last resort when single therapies fail.

Which of the following is an example of a combination therapy for constipation?

Prescribing a bulk-forming laxative and a secretory agent like prucalopride or lubiprostone. (correct)
Recommending increased fluid intake and regular exercise.
Prescribing a prokinetic agent and undergoing surgery.
Administering a stimulant laxative and an enema.

What is the main reason stated in the text for using combination therapies in the treatment of constipation?

To reduce the overall cost of treatment.
To address the complexity and heterogeneity of constipation. (correct)
To improve patient compliance with treatment regimens.
To reduce the risk of adverse effects associated with single therapies.

Which of the following statements about constipation is true?

Patients with constipation may have different symptom complexes, such as predominant or exclusively irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the text as a potential cause of constipation?

Poor dietary habits. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information in the text, which of the following statements is true?

Anorectal manometry followed by a prokinetic agent and biofeedback therapy is an example of a combination treatment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale for combining different types of laxatives in treating constipation?

To address the single-dimensional nature of constipation (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why might patients with slow transit colon and pelvic floor dysfunction not respond well to a bulk or osmotic laxative alone?

Because they require a stimulant laxative for better effectiveness (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is fiber often recommended as the first line treatment for constipation despite its limited efficacy?

Because it directly targets the underlying pathophysiology (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which combination treatment is NOT effective due to its exacerbation of bloating and flatulence symptoms?

Lactulose and senna (A) Signup and view all the answers

What adverse effects have been associated with stimulant laxatives?

Damage to enteric nerves and melanosis coli (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which oral stimulant laxatives are commonly used in Europe?

Sodium picosulphate and sennosides (C) Signup and view all the answers

In which patient group has combining a stimulant laxative with a colonic prokinetic agent been found effective?

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome and slow transit constipation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did the CHESS trial compare in elderly patients with chronic constipation?

PEG with placebo or ispaghula husk (B) Signup and view all the answers

What has been demonstrated through Phase III trials by the tegaserod consortium?

The effectiveness of tegaserod and PEG combination for IBS-C and chronic constipation symptoms relief (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why do the authors caution against using unlicensed medications for constipation?

To prevent potential drug toxicity and interactions (B) Signup and view all the answers