NR 606 Week 7 ACEs Poster Presentation Assignment; OTC; laxatives

NR 606 week 8 Poster When to use A laxative should only be used as a last resort after all other measures to treat constipation, such as increasing fiber intake, engaging in regular exercise, and consuming lots of water, have failed. Bulk laxatives How they work: Absorb liquid in the intestines and swell to form a soft, bulky stool instead of being digested. Examples: Methylcellulose (Citrucel) Psyllium (Metamucil) Polycarbophil (Fibercon) Uses: produces soft stool for those who have dry, hard stools in one to three days. Contraindications: HTN, diabetes, kidney disease, partial obstruction of the bowels, esophageal obstruction. Caution Symptoms over use: blood in stools, electrolytes imbalance, N/V, chronic constipation,. Long term use: decrease bowel function, dependency, heartburn, diarrhea. Who is at risk: ulcerative colitis, anorexia and other eating disorders. Referral: GI Dr, dietician, CBT, etc How they work: aid water to enter stool and soften it for easier passage. Examples: docusate sodium (colace), surfak. Uses: constipation, decrease straining Contraindications: rectal bleeding, anal fissure, and blocks bowels Osmotic laxatives How they work: It draws water into the intestines, softening and swelling the stool. Examples: Polyethylene glycol (Miralax,peglax, and glycolax) Magnesium hydroxide (milk of mag) Lactulose (kristalose, Generlac, and enulose) Uses: low dose for daily for constipation. High dose for diagnostic and surgical procedures. Contraindications: CKD, pregnancy, cardiac diseases Stimulant laxatives How they work: They function by stimulating the nerves that regulate the muscles lining the digestive tract, thereby promoting bowel movement. Examples: Bisacodyl Dulcolax, Ducodyl, and fleet laxatives) Castor oil, Senna glycoside (Senokot, and Ex-lax) Uses: low intestinal stimulation, constipation due to opioids. Contraindications: pregnancy, appendicitis Surfactant laxatives OTC: laxatives references: Rosenthal, L. & Burchum, J. (2021). Lehne's pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants (2nd ed.). Elsevier.