Medications Used for the Gastrointestinal System

Gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation, increased stomach acidity, nausea and vomiting are common place occurrences. Medications effective for these conditions are frequently obtained ‘over-the-counter’ (OTC). Use of these medications is, however, associated with several inherent risks. This chapter examines the basic mechanism of action of commonly used medications used for constipation, gastric acidity and nausea and vomiting. This discussion is related to clinical practice and the adverse reactions that may occur.

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Miscellaneous Drugs Acting on the Gastrointestinal System

Drugs Acting on the Gut: Prokinetics, Antispasmodics, Laxatives

Drugs Acting on the Gut: Prokinetics, Antispasmodics, Laxatives

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

1. Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King’s College London, London, UK Ehsan Khan

1. Ehsan Khan

Corresponding author

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

1. (Retired) Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King’s College London, London, UK Pauline Hood
2. Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King’s College London, London, UK Ehsan Khan

Appendices

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 1. Laxatives may lead to a number of biochemical abnormalities. Select one abnormality that may be aggravated by a bulk forming laxative:
   1. (a) Dehydration
   2. (b) Hyperkalaemia
   3. (c) Oedema
   4. (d) Hypoglycaemia
   1. (a) Mucosal irritation
   2. (b) Receptor antagonism
   3. (c) Osmosis
   4. (d) Sympathetic agonism
   1. (a) Dehydration
   2. (b) Chelation
   3. (c) Acidosis
   4. (d) Muscle fatigue
   1. (a) Constipation
   2. (b) Urinary retention
   3. (c) Laxative dependence
   4. (d) Laxative tolerance
   1. (a) Salt
   2. (b) Base
   3. (c) Lipophilic solution
   4. (d) Milk
   1. (a) Calcium channel blockers
   2. (b) Beta-blockers
   3. (c) Broncho-dilators
   4. (d) Antibiotics
   1. (a) K +
   2. (b) Na +
   3. (c) Cl −
   4. (d) H +
   1. (a) Strongly plasma bound
   2. (b) Nephrotoxic
   3. (c) Metabolised by CYP3A4
   4. (d) Hydrophilic
   1. (a) Headache
   2. (b) Urinary retention
   3. (c) QT prolongation
   4. (d) Insomnia
   1. (a) Eye and nose
   2. (b) Basal ganglia
   3. (c) Visual cortices
   4. (d) Vestibular organs
   1. (a) First
   2. (b) Second
   3. (c) Third
   4. (d) None
   1. (a) Cholinergic
   2. (b) Serotonin
   3. (c) Dopamine
   4. (d) NK1