Self Care Drugs

Methylcellulose (Citrucel)

Bulk forming lax, 72 hrs, 6yrs or older

side effects: abd cramps, flatulence

Polycarbophil (Fibercon)

Bulk forming lax, 72 hrs, 6yrs or older

side effects: abd cramps, flatulence

Psyllium (metamucil)

Bulk forming lax, 72 hrs, 6yrs or older

side effects: abd cramps, flatulence

Can also be used to lower cholesterol

Polyethyleneglycol 3350 (Miralax)

Hyperosmotic

Powder only, 17 or older, 12-72 hrs

No side effects

Glycerin

Hyperosmotic

Only suppositories, 2 or older, 15-30min

No side effects

Docusate sodium (Colace)

Emollient (stool softener)

12-72 hrs, 2 or older

No side effects

Docusate Calcium

Emollient (stool softener)

12-72hrs, 2 years or older

No side effects

Senna (Ex-lax, Senokot)

Stimulant

Oral: 6-10hrs Supp: 15-60min

2 or older

Not preferred, day or 2 max

Side effects: cramping, elect/fluid defic, hypokalemia

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)

Stimulant

Oral: 6-10hrs supp: 15-60min

2 or older

Not preferred, day or 2 max

Side effects: cramping, elect/fluid def, hypokalemia

Castor oil

Stimulant

Oral: 6-10hrs supp: 15-60min

2 or older

Not preferred, day or 2 max

Side effects: cramping, elect/fluid def, hypokalemia

Magnesium Citrate

Saline Agent

Oral: 30min-6hrs Supp: 2-15min

2 or older

Side effects: cramping, V/V, dehydration

AVOID in old peeps and pts w renal impairment or heart failure

Magnesium Hydroxide (Phillips Milk of Magnesium)

Saline Agent

2 years or older

oral: 30 min-6hrs supp:2-15min

Side effects: cramping, V/V, dehydration

AVOID in old peeps and pts w renal impairment or heart failure

Sodium Phosphate (Fleet Phospho-soda)

Saline Agent

2 years or older

oral: 30 min-6hrs supp:2-15min

Side effects: cramping, V/V, dehydration

AVOID in old peeps and pts w renal impairment or heart failure

Mineral Oil

Lubricant

oral: 6-8hrs supp: 5-15min

Side effects: loss of nutrients from GI tract

Cant give to peeps on anticoagulants (warfarin), bedridden, swallow trouble

Loperamide (Imodium)

Anti-diarrheal

Ages 6 and up

Use max of 48hrs

Abuse Potential

Side effects: dizziness, constipation, abd pain, dry mouth

Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate)

Anti-diarrheal

Ages 12 and up

Use max of 48hrs

Cant take with ASPIRIN or any other salicylate, also reacts w/ Warfarin, valproic acid, methotrexate, tetracycline, and quinolones

Side effects: Harmless black tongue/stool, Reye’s syndrome, mild tinnitus

*****Childrens pepto can be used for ages 2 and up, not used for diarrhea

Digestive Enzymes (Lactaid, Lacteez drops, Lactrase capsules)

taken for lactose intolerant pts for gas and diarrhea from dairy

Simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta, Gas chewable tablets, and Mylicon Infant Drops)

Anti Gas

Used AFTER gas is already formed

No side effects

All ages

Alpha-galactosidase (Beano)

Anti-gas

Taken to PREVENT gas

Careful w DIABETIC pts

Probiotics (Activia, Prob yogurt, align digestive care prob supp, Cilturelle prob digestive health)

For IBS and lact int, protects against bad gut bacteria

Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate)

Antacid

Onset: <5min

Duration: 20-30 min

Mg: diarrhea

Ca and Al: constipation

TRY TO AVOID BC HAS ASPIRIN IN IT

ages 12 and up

Mylanta (Mg+Al or Ca)

Antacid

Onset: <5min

Duration: 20-30 min

Mg: diarrhea

Ca and Al: constipation

Tums (Ca carbonate)

Antacid

Onset: <5min

Duration: 20-30 min

Mg: diarrhea

Ca and Al: constipation

Ages 12 and older

Rolaids (Ca+Mg)

Antacid

Onset: <5min

Duration: 20-30 min

Mg: diarrhea

Ca and Al: constipation

Famotidine (Pepcid and Zantac)

Histamine Type 2 Receptor Antagonist

Used to prevent and treat heartburn

Onset: 30-45 min

Duration: 4-10hrs

Ages 12 and up

Ranitidine

Histamine Type 2 Receptor Antagonist

Used to prevent and treat heartburn

Onset: 30-45 min

Duration: 4-10hrs

ages 12 and up

Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Histamine Type 2 Receptor Antagonist

Used to prevent and treat heartburn

Onset: 30-45 min

Duration: 4-10hrs

AVOID BAD SIDE EFFECTS

Pepcid Complete

Histamine Type 2 receptor antagonist+Antacid

Onset: <5 min

Duration: 8-10hrs

Tums Dual Action

Histamine Type 2 receptor antagonist+Antacid

Onset: <5 min

Duration: 8-10hrs

Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Proton Pump Inhibitor

Onset: 2-3hrs

Duration: 12-24hrs (can take up to 4 days until relief)

Use for 14 day treatment every 4 months

AGES 18 and UP

Iansoprazole (Prevacid)

Proton Pump Inhibitor

Onset: 2-3hrs

Duration: 12-24hrs (can take up to 4 days until relief)

Use for 14 day treatment every 4 months

AGES 18 and UP

Esomeprazole (Nexium)

Proton Pump Inhibitor

Onset: 2-3hrs

Duration: 12-24hrs (can take up to 4 days until relief)

Use for 14 day treatment every 4 months

AGES 18 and UP

Omeprazole+sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid)

Antacid+PPI combo