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GI Meds
QMA Class
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Antacids: TUMS, Rolaids (calcium carbonate); Amphojel (aluminum hydroxide); Milk of Magnesium | neutralize stomach acid; decrease rate of gastric emptying; treats hyperacidity; can cause constipation; should not be given with other meds (wait 1-2 hrs); chart amount and consistency of stools |
Anti-ulcer: Pepcid (famotidine); Prilosec (omeprazole; Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium); Zantac (ranitidine) | prevents release of gastric acid to treat or prevent stomach and duodenal ulcers; treats GERD; high doses can cause confusion; discourage smoking and avoid spicy food, caffeine, and alcohol |
Antiemetics: Phenergan (promethazine hydrochloride); Zofran (ondansetron) | block specific neurotransmitters that trigger impulses for nausea and vomiting; can cause drowsiness; monitor BP for hypotension |
Emetics: Syrup of Ipecac | trigger impulses for nausea and vomiting; do not use when corrosive product ingested, such as acids or alkalines; usually induces vomiting 20-30 minutes after |
Antidiarrheals: Pepto-Bismol (bismuth); Kaopectate (kaolin and pectin); Lomotil (atropine/diphenoxylate); Imodium (loperamide) | absorb excess fluids and bacteria; relieve diarrhea; can cause constipation, nausea, dry mouth, and abdominal pain; monitor for constipation |
Opiates: Paregoric (anhydrous morphine) | slows down intestinal motility; reduces peristalsis by action on CNS system and decreases secretions; treats diarrhea; may cause drowsiness; may be addicting |
GI meds that alter motility: Lomotil; Imodium | acts on autonomic nervous system to alter peristalsis; treats spastic colon, diarrhea, GERD; may cause blurred vision, dry mouth, heart palpitations, urine retention, constipation; monitor vital signs, urinary output, constipation |
Stimulant Laxative (Cathartics): Senokot (senna); Dulcolax (bisacodyl) | stimulate intestinal peristalsis; treat constipation; may cause abdominal cramping, nausea, diarrhea; monitor for diarrhea or constipation; oral usually acts in 6-8 hrs; suppository usually acts 15-30 mins |
Saline Laxatives: Milk of Magnesium | softens stool; treats constipation; sometimes antacid effect; may cause diarrhea and cramping; shake well; monitor fluid intake; acts within 8 hrs |
Lubricant Laxatives: Glycerin suppository (retained 15 min for best results) | increases water retention in stool stimulating evacuation; may cause dehydration, abdominal cramping, nausea; may interfere with absorption of vitamins; should not be taken at mealtime or long term |
Stool Softeners: Colace (docusate sodium) | moistens stool; may cause abdominal cramping and diarrhea; takes 1-3 days to work |
Bulk Laxatives: Metamucil (psyllium); Citrucel (methylcellulose) | absorbs water and expands to increase bulk and moisturize content of stool; used to promote regular bowel evacuation; may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; administered with 8 oz water; encourage fluids; acts within 12 hrs to 3 days |
Colonic Acidifiers: Chronulac, Enulose (lactulose) | stool softener; treats constipation; may cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea and flatulence; can be diluted or given with food; store at room temperature |
Osmotic Laxatives: Miralax (polyethylene glycol) | treats severe constipation; may cause abdominal cramping and urgency; take in morning; usually have bowel movement within 4 hrs |
Enemas: Fleets Enema (sodium phosphate) | may cause abdominal cramping; do not use if resident is dehydrated; nurse needs to assess if large hemorrhoids or anal excoriation present before administration |
Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis: mesalamine | reduces tissue inflammation; treats chronic constipation; may cause diarrhea, constipation, fever, headache, nausea; contraindicated in those without gallbladder; results in bowel movement within 2-4 hrs |