Questions and Answers
Which of the following are types of laxatives? (Select all that apply)
What are examples of stimulant laxatives?
Bisacodyl, Sennosides A & B
What is the mechanism of action of osmotic laxatives?
Draws water into the intestines from surrounding tissues
What are some examples of osmotic laxatives?
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What are the effects of saline laxatives?
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What is a common example of a lubricant laxative?
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What are bulk forming laxatives considered?
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What is an example of a stool softener?
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What is the main function of opioid antagonists in relation to laxatives?
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Common adverse effects of laxatives include ______.
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What should antidiarrheals not be used to treat?
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What are some adverse effects of antidiarrheal medications?
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Study Notes
Types of Laxatives
- Stimulant laxatives: Irritate intestinal lining, promoting peristalsis and bowel evacuation within 6 to 10 hours orally and 60 to 90 minutes rectally.
- Osmotic laxatives: Draw water into intestines; commonly used for colon preparation, e.g., GoLytely, lactulose.
- Saline laxatives: Increase intestinal fluid secretion and motility; act within 1 to 3 hours, examples include magnesium hydroxide and sodium phosphates.
- Lubricant laxatives: Such as mineral oil, coat and soften stool while minimizing bowel spasms; aspiration risk related to lipid pneumonia.
- Bulk forming laxatives: Considered safest, they slowly normalize stool consistency, taking 12 to 72 hours to act; examples include wheat bran and psyllium.
- Stool softeners: Facilitate stool passage and typically take up to 72 hours to be effective; commonly used post-surgery (e.g., docusate sodium).
- Opioid antagonists: Target opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent constipation without affecting pain relief; examples include methylnaltrexone and naloxegol.
Stimulant Laxative Examples
- Common examples include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax) and sennosides A & B (Ex-Lax, Peri-Colace, Senokot).
Osmotic Laxative Examples
- Common agents include lactulose, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, and glycerin (in suppository form).
Saline Laxative Examples
- Examples include magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), magnesium sulfate, magnesium citrate, and sodium phosphates (Fleet's Soda).
Common Adverse Effects of Laxatives
- Potential side effects include abdominal spasms, tenderness, discomfort, nausea, flatulence, bleeding, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Categories of Antidiarrheals
- Classified as local (targeting symptoms directly) and systemic (acting on the body).
Local Antidiarrheal Examples
- Include difenoxin with atropine (Motofen), diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil), loperamide (Imodium A-D), and opium (Paregoric).
Systemic Antidiarrheal Examples
- Includes lactobacillus (Lactinex) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate).
Antidiarrheal Usage
- Not recommended for diarrhea related to bacterial infections, as the body needs to eliminate pathogens effectively.
Adverse Effects of Antidiarrheals
- Possible adverse reactions include abdominal distention, nausea, constipation, and prolonged or worsening diarrhea.
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Description
Explore the various types of laxatives through this quiz based on Chapter 31 of Pharmacology. Learn about stimulant, osmotic, saline, lubricant, and bulk-forming laxatives, as well as stool softeners and opioid antagonists. Test your knowledge with flashcards that cover both definitions and examples.
