Name of the Non-Specific Antidiarrheal Drugs Absorbents
- Psyllium
- Methylcellulose
1.Psyllium
| Psyllium |
| Availability Chewable pieces: 1.7 g/piece, 3.4 g/piece Granules: 2.5 g/tsp, 4.03 g/tsp Powder: 3.3 g/tsp, 3.4 g/tsp, 3.5 g/tsp, 4.94 g/tsp Powder (effervescent): 3.4 g/packet, 3.7 g/packet Wafers: 3.4 g/2 wafers |
| Indications and dosages ➣ Chronic constipation; ulcerative colitis; irritable bowel syndrome Adults and children ages 12 and older: 30 g daily in divided doses of 2.5 to 7.5 g/dose P.O. in 8 oz of water or juice |
Mechanism of Action
Stimulates lining of colon, increasing peristalsis and water absorption of stool and promoting evacuation
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: 12-72 hr
Not absorbed from GI tract
Administration
- Mix powder with 8 oz of cold liquid (such as orange juice) to mask taste.
- Give diluted drug immediately after mixing, before it congeals. Follow with another glass of fluid.
Adverse reactions
- GI: nausea; vomiting; diarrhea (with excessive use); abdominal cramps with severe constipation; anorexia; esophageal, gastric, small-intestine, or rectal obstruction (with dry form)
- Respiratory: asthma (rare)
- Other: severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to drug
- Intestinal obstruction
- Abdominal pain or other appendicitis symptoms
- Fecal impaction
Precautions:
- Phenylketonuria
- Pregnant patients.
Patient monitoring
- Monitor patient’s bowel movements.
- Check for signs and symptoms of severe (but rare) allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis and asthma.
Patient teaching
- Tell patient to dissolve in 8 oz of cold beverage and drink immediately, followed by another glass of liquid. ● Caution patient not to take without dissolving in liquid.
- Instruct patient to take after meals if drug decreases his appetite.
- Tell patient drug usually causes bowel movement within 12 to 24 hours but may take as long as 3 days.
- Instruct patient to immediately stop taking drug and notify prescriber if signs and symptoms of allergic reaction occur.
- Advise diabetic patient to use sugarfree drug form.
- Instruct patient with phenylketonuria to avoid forms containing phenylalanine.
- As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening .
2.Methylcellulose
| Methylcellulose |
| Availability Powder: 105 mg/g, 196 mg/g |
| Indications and dosages ➣ Chronic constipation Adults and children ages 12 and older: Up to 6 g P.O. daily in divided doses of 0.45 to 3 g Children ages 6 to 11: Up to 3 g P.O. daily in divided doses of 0.45 to 1.5 g |
Mechanism of Action
Stimulates peristalsis by promoting water absorption into fecal matter and increasing bulk, resulting in bowel evacuation
Administration
- Give with 8 oz of fluid.
- If patient is receiving maximum daily dosage, give in divided doses to reduce risk of esophageal obstruction.
Contraindications
- Signs or symptoms of appendicitis or undiagnosed abdominal pain
- Partial bowel obstruction
- Dysphagia
Precautions:
- Hepatitis
- Intestinal ulcers
- Laxative-dependent patients.
Adverse reactions
GI: nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; severe constipation; abdominal distention; cramps; esophageal, gastric, smallintestine, or colonic strictures (with dry form); GI obstruction Other: laxative dependence (with long-term use)
Patient monitoring
- Assess patient’s dietary habits. Consider factors that promote constipation, such as certain diseases and medications. ● Monitor patient for signs and symptoms of esophageal obstruction.
- Evaluate fluid and electrolyte balance in patients using laxatives excessively.
Patient teaching
- Instruct patient to take with a full glass (8 oz) of water.
- Advise patient to prevent or minimize constipation through adequate fluid intake (four to six glasses of water daily), proper diet, increased fiber intake, daily exercise, and prompt response to urge to defecate.
- Instruct patient to report chest pain or pressure, vomiting, and difficulty breathing (possible symptoms of GI obstruction).
- Caution patient not to use drug for more than 1 week without prescriber’s approval.
- Inform patient that chronic laxative use may lead to dependence.
- Tell patient to contact prescriber if constipation persists or if rectal bleeding or symptoms of electrolyte imbalance (muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness) occur.
- As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs mentioned above.
REFERENCES
- Robert Kizior, Keith Hodgson, Saunders Nursing Drug handbook,1st edition 2024, Elsevier Publications. ISBN-9780443116070
- McGraw Hill- Drug Handbook, Seventh Edition, 2013, McGraw Hill Education Publications,9780071799430.
- April Hazard, Cynthia Sanoski, Davi’s Drug Guide for Nurses -Sixteenth Edition 2019, FA Davis Company Publications,9780803669451.
- Jones and Bartlet, Pharmacology for Nurses, Second Edition, 2020, Jones and Bartlet Learning Publications, ISBN 9781284141986.
- Nursebro.com, Search – Nursebro
Stories are the threads that bind us; through them, we understand each other, grow, and heal.
JOHN NOORD
Connect with “Nurses Lab Editorial Team”
I hope you found this information helpful. Do you have any questions or comments? Kindly write in comments section. Subscribe the Blog with your email so you can stay updated on upcoming events and the latest articles.
