Drugs Affecting Gastrointestinal Motility

Flashcards on Drugs Affecting Gastrointestinal Motility.

Drugs Affecting Gastrointestinal Motility

Medications that speed up or improve movement of intestinal contents along the GI tract when movement is slow, and increase the tone of the GI tract to stimulate motility throughout the system.

Drugs Affecting Gastrointestinal Motility

Medications that decrease movement along the GI tract when rapid movement decreases the time for absorption of nutrients.

Laxatives in Children

Should not be used routinely in children; dietary fiber, fluids, timed toileting and exercise is preferred. If needed, glycerin suppositories are the best choice for infants and young children. Harsh stimulants should be avoided.

Loperamide in Children

May be the antidiarrheal of choice in children older than 2 years of age if such a drug is needed; monitor for electrolyte and fluid disturbances.

Bismuth subsalicylate in Children

Should not be administered to febrile children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Laxatives in Adults

Adults need to be cautioned not to become dependent; proper diet, exercise and adequate intake of fluids should keep the GI tract functioning normally.

Laxatives and Lactation

Caution be used if one of these drugs is prescribed during lactation.

Older Adults and Laxatives

More likely to develop adverse effects associated with the use of these drugs, including sedation, confusion, dizziness, electrolyte disturbances, fluid imbalance, and cardiovascular effects.

Laxatives

Indicated for short-term relief of constipation, to prevent straining, to evacuate bowel for diagnostic procedures, to remove ingested poisons, and as adjunct for anthelmintic activity

Stimulant Laxatives

Chemically irritate the lining of the GI tract

Bulk-forming agents (Laxatives)

Cause fecal matter to increase in bulk.

Osmotic (Laxatives)

Pull more solute and/or water into GI tract

Lubricants (Laxatives)

Help intestinal contents stay softer, more slippery.

Chemical Stimulants

Directly stimulate nerve plexus, causing increased movement and stimulation of local reflexes.

Senna

Short-term treatment of constipation; treatment of encopresis; Directly stimulates the nerve plexus in the intestinal wall, causing increased movement and the stimulation of local reflexes.

Psyllium

Short-term relief of occasional constipation; may lower blood cholesterol in combination with exercise and diet low in saturated fat; Increases the motility of the GI tract by increasing the bulk of the intestinal contents.

Magnesium Citrate

Short-term relief of constipation; to prevent straining when it is clinically undesirable; to evacuate the bowel for diagnostic procedures; to remove ingested poisons from the lower GI tract; as an adjunct in anthelmintic therapy; Increases the motility of the GI tract by increasing the fluid in the intestinal contents.

Lubricants

Make defecation easier without stimulating movement of the GI tract. Benefit patients with hemorrhoids, recent rectal surgery, or could be harmed by straining.

Docusate

Prophylaxis for patients who should not strain (surgery, MI, obstetrical delivery); short-term treatment of constipation.; Forms a slippery coat on the contents of the intestinal tract.

Opioid Agonists

Block effects of opioids on the GI tract by selectively binding to peripheral opioid receptors.

Methylnaltrexone Bromide

Treatment of opioid-induced constipation in adults with chronic noncancer pain

Gastrointestinal Stimulant

Stimulates parasympathetic activity within the GI tract; Increases GI secretions and motility; Blocks dopamine receptors and makes GI cells more sensitive to acetylcholine; Leads to increased GI activity and rapid movement of food through upper GI tract

Metoclopramide

Relief of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, prevention of nausea and vomiting after emetogenic chemotherapy or postoperatively, relief of symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis; Stimulates movement of the upper GI tract without stimulating gastric, pancreatic, or biliary secretions.

Antidiarrheals

Block stimulation of GI tract for symptomatic relief from diarrhea- decreases intestinal motility.

Loperamide

Control and symptomatic relief of acute, nonspecific diarrhea and chronic diarrhea associated with IBS; Inhibits intestinal peristalsis through direct effects on the longitudinal and circular muscles of the intestinal wall, slowing motility and movement of water and electrolytes.

Alosetron

Treatment of severe diarrhea-predominant IBS in patients who have chronic IBS symptoms; Selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist for receptors in the GI tract.

Why should laxatives be taken only on a short-term basis?

To prevent cathartic dependence