Gastrointestinal System Drugs

These flashcards cover the key concepts, terminologies, and drug classifications related to the gastrointestinal system as discussed in the lecture.

What is the gastrointestinal (GI) tract?

A long, muscular tube that begins at the mouth and ends at the anus.

What are the components of the GI tract?

Oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, cecum.

What type of stomach do ruminants have?

4 chambered foregut.

What is the function of the autonomic nervous system in the GI tract?

It controls intestinal motility and secretions.

What does parasympathetic stimulation do to the GI tract?

Increases intestinal motility, increases GI secretions, and relaxes sphincters.

What type of drugs simulate parasympathetic actions in the GI tract?

Cholinergic drugs.

What do anticholinergic drugs do in the GI tract?

They inhibit actions such as intestinal motility and secretions.

What are common complaints associated with GI disorders?

Diarrhea, vomiting, regurgitation, constipation.

What can cause GI disorders?

Infectious agents, dietary changes, drug effects, systemic diseases.

What is the purpose of antisialogues in veterinary medicine?

To decrease salivary flow.

Why are antisialogues used during anesthesia?

To limit the flow of excess saliva.

What are examples of anticholinergic drugs?

Glycopyrrolate and atropine.

What are the adverse effects of antisialogues?

Dry mucous membranes, urine retention, tachycardia, constipation.

What are antidiarrheals used for?

To treat diarrhea and related conditions.

What do protectants/adsorbents do?

Coat intestinal mucosa and bind toxins to protect against damage.

What is an example of a protectant?

Bismuth subsalicylate.

What is a common adverse effect of protectants?

Constipation.

What is the function of motility reducers?

To decrease peristaltic contractions.

What is an example of an opiate-related agent?

Loperamide.

What types of laxatives are there?

Osmotic, stimulant, emollient, bulk-forming.

What do osmotic laxatives do?

Pull water into the colon to increase fecal water content.

What is one adverse effect of osmotic laxatives?

Electrolyte imbalances.

What do stimulant laxatives do?

Increase peristalsis by irritating sensory nerve endings.

Why are bulk-forming laxatives used?

To increase fecal bulk and stimulate peristalsis.

What are emollient laxatives used for?

They act as stool softeners and lubricants.

What is a common cause of vomiting?

Viral and bacterial infections.

What are antiemetics?

Drugs that control vomiting and alleviate discomfort.

What are examples of antiemetic drug classes?

Phenothiazine derivatives, antihistamines, prokinetic agents, serotonin receptor antagonists.

What is the action of phenothiazine derivatives?

They inhibit dopamine in the CRTZ.

What is an example of an antihistamine used as an antiemetic?

Diphenhydramine.

What do prokinetic agents do?

Increase gastric emptying and strengthen sphincter tone.

What are serotonin receptor antagonists used for?

To block vomiting related to serotonin release.

What is maropitant used for?

To prevent acute vomiting and motion sickness.

What are common adverse effects of maropitant?

Injection site pain, vomiting, diarrhea.

What is the role of probiotics in the GI tract?

To seed the GI tract with beneficial bacteria.

What are some examples of veterinary probiotic products?

Plain yogurt with active cultures and various trade-name products.

What can cause changes in the vomiting center of the brain?

Equilibrium changes, pain responses, intracranial pressure changes.

What is the primary neurotransmitter involved in vomiting?

Substance P.

What do antidiarrheal opioids do?

Decrease peristaltic contractions to control diarrhea.

What is the mechanism of action for antiemetics?

They act on different receptors to inhibit vomiting signals.

What is the consequence of prolonged use of osmotic laxatives?

Dehydration.

Why should caution be exercised when using laxatives in patients?

Adverse effects can lead to complications like dehydration.

What is a key concern when using anticholinergics in horses?

Potential adverse effects like urine retention and constipation.

What is a common use for laxatives prior to procedures?

To evacuate the GI tract.

What can unregulated use of antibacterial treatments lead to?

Disruption of normal GI flora.

How do protectants help in the GI tract?

By protecting the intestinal mucosa from damaging effects.