Antimotility drugs Flashcards Preview

Pharmacology - GI and nutrition > Antimotility drugs > Flashcards

Flashcards in Antimotility drugs Deck (10)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What are examples of antimotility drugs?

A
  • Loperamide
  • Codeine phsophate
2
Q

What is the mechanism of action of loperamide?

A

Opioid similar to pethidine that does not penetrate CNS - no analgesic effects. It is an agonist of the opioid mu-receptor in the GI tract. This increases non-propulsive contractions of the gut smooth muscle but reduces propulsive contractions. Transit of bowel contents is slowed and anal sphincter tone is increased

3
Q

What effect does slowed gut transit have on water content?

A

Allows more time for water absorption, which hardens stool

4
Q

When would you use codeine phsophate over loperamide?

A

If analgesia was also required

5
Q

What are side effects of antimotility drugs?

A
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Flatulance
  • Opioid toxicity - codeine toxicity
6
Q

Why should you not give loperamide in acute ulcerative colitis?

A

Increases risk of toxic megacolon and perforation

7
Q

Why should loperamide be avoided in c. diff infection?

A

Risk of toxic megacolon and perforation

8
Q

When should you avoid using loperamide?

A
  • Acute ulcerative colitis
  • C. diff
  • Acute bloody diarrhoea
  • E. coli infection
9
Q

Why should you avoid using loperamide in someone with E. Coli?

A

Increased risk of HUS

10
Q

What are indications for using antimotility drugs?

A

Diarrohea - usually in the context of IBS or viral gastroenteritis