Drug
Dosage
Action
Side effects
Antidiarrheal Medications – act directly on the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract.
Kaopectage
Absorbents. Coats the walls
PO 2 tab
May interfere with absorption of other
(Attapulgite)
or 30ml
of the GI tract, allowing
oral medications. May interfere with
absorption
of
bacteria/toxins
absorption of nutrients with prolonged
And perpto bismol
and move them out. No
use.
drowsiness
Lomotil
Decreases gastric motility
PO 2 tab
Is chemically related to morphine;
(Diphenoxylate
through local effect on
atropine added to prevent addiction by
Atropine)
gastrointestinal wall
in high doses can become addictive. May
cause Dizziness, Constipation drowsiness
Imodium
Synthetic Opioids. Inhibits
PO 1-2
Most common OTC. May cause drowsiness,
(Loperamide)
tab 3-4
peristalsis via direct effect must be discontinued if no improvement
times/day on gastrointestinal wall
in 48 hours with acute cases. Abuse
muscles. Decrease motility.
potential
Not addictive. Longer
duration than Lomotil
Laxatives
Milk of Magnesium
Oral Saline Laxative. Drawing Diarrhea, decreased potassium. Increased
PO
(magnesium
water into bowel. Antacid
magnesium levels. In Clients w/renal
Hydroxide)
property in small dosage and
failure: ( ↓BP, , nausea, vomiting,
laxative properties in larger respiratory and CNS depression, coma)
doses.
Metamucil
Bulk and Moisture enhancer.
PO 1-2
May interfere with absorption of calcium
(Psyllium)
tsp
Increases the intestinal bulk and iron and certain drugs. Should not
w/glass
which promotes additional
be given to bedridden patients or those
of water
mechanical stimulation on the with intestinal strictures. May be
intestine.
expensive.
Colace (Docusate
Stool Softener. Soften the
PO 240mg
Has lubricant component of drug that may
Sodium)
Rect
fecal material
interfere with absorption of fat soluble
Surfak (Docusate
vitamins.
Calcium)
Dulcoax
PO Rect
Stimulant laxative Act
chemically to stimulate
peristalsis.
the most abused laxative on the market.
Causes lazy bowel syndrome. May affect
absorption of vitamin D and calcium. Not
recommended for elderly patients because
of prolonged action. Alters electrolyte
transport. Abdominal cramps, nausea
Antacids
Tums (Calcium
PO
Mineral and electrolyte
Milk-alkali syndrome (including
Carbonate)
(calcium salts)
Mylanta (Aluminum
Hydroxide/Magnesiu
m
Hydroxide/Simethic
one)
Mylanta II
(Liquid)
Diuretics
Lasix (Furosemide)
Bumex
(Bumethanide)
Aldactone
(Spironolactone)
Dyazide
(Hydrochlorothiazi
de/Triamterene)
replacements/supplements
(Monitor blood pressure, pulse, and ECG
frequently throughout parenteral therapy. May
cause vasodilation with resulting hypotension,
bradycardia, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest.
Transient increases in blood pressure may
occur during IV administration, especially in
geriatric patients or in patients with
hypertension. )
PO 1-2
tab or 510 ml
between
meals/bed
time
Anti ulcer agent
Antacid
PO 20-80
mg IV 2040 mg
Loop Diuretics. Acts in the
loop of Henle. Used to manage
fluid overload conditions
such as HF. Inhibit sodium
reabsorption-promoting
potassium secretion.
PO 0.5-2
mg
IV
PO: 50100 mg
daily or
in
divided
doses
PO IV When
used as a
diuretic in
adults,
generally given
Potassium-sparing diuretic
works in distal tubule and
are weak diuretics.
Prevention and treatment of
Hypokalemia, edema and
hypertension.
Thiazide diuretics.
Inhibition of sodium
reabsorption in early distal
tubules. Less potent than
metabolic alkalosis, anorexia, nausea,
vomiting, confusion, Hypercalcemia,
possible renal impairment) Increased
potential for CA stone.
Nephrocalcinoiss. Gastric acid
hypersecretion. Antagonism of oral
Digoxin. Elevated serum and urine
calcium levels. Kidney failure.
Constipation. Decreased K+ levels.
Cardiac Arrest (IV only)
Constipation diarrhea (combination
products w/Mg reduce this). Phosphate
depletion via feces (including weakness,
apnea, hymolytic anemia, tetany) Delay
in gastric emptying. Concretions
(nonabsorbable intestinal and renal
mineral mass). Encephalophy from
aluminum intoxication (especially
w/Renal Insufficiency-avoid). Bone
demineralization (osteomalacia,
osteoporosis)
Hypokalemia may predispose client with
cirrhosis to hepatic encephalopathy and
coma.
Dehydration.
May increase blood glucose and uric
acid. Check lab work for screening.
Hyperkalemia.
Hypokalemia
loop diuretics. Most
commonly used to treat
hypertension because of the
effects in reducing blood
pressure. Treatment of Edema
Pharmacokinetics – how is drug is absorbed, distributed, associated with tissue, biotransformed or
metabolized and excreted.
Pharmacodynamics – macromolecular interactions in tissues. Highly specific drug action.
Side effects – predictable and often unavoidable secondary effects
Adverse reactions – unintended, undesirable and often unpredictable effects.
daily, but may
be given every
other day or 23 days/week.