poopy time

laxatives

help evacuate formed fecal matter from rectum

cathartics

evacuate unformed watery material from entire colon - the more harsh option

how do opioids relate to constipation?

they induce it

Bile acids do what?

cause diarrhea and stimulate peristalsis

Loperamide

opioid on mu receptors, antidiarrheal - pretty specialized when compared to morphine, but side effects can still be pretty severe

alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonists

these guys are inhibitory - stimulate absorption and inhibit secretion of fluid and electrolytes

octreotide and somatostatin

inhibits secretion of 5HT and other GI peptides to inhibit secretory diarrhea

Alosetron

5HT-3 antagonist for diarrhea-predominant IBS

inflammatory bowel disease

treatment is to reduce inflammation

Mesalamine

5-ASA prodrug to inhibit inflammation in IBD

glucocorticoids

steroids may or may not assist with IBD

Mercaptopurine and Azathioprine

immunosuppressants for severe IBD in those that do not respond to steroids

Infliximab

targets TNF-alpha as biological IBD treatment
works wonderfully and is terribly expensive
Adalimumab is the same idea