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Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

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Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
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Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives01:22

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives

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Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...
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Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

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Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management

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Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication.
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Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives01:20

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Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

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Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
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Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
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Interventions for treating constipation in pregnancy.

Phassawan Rungsiprakarn1, Malinee Laopaiboon, Ussanee S Sangkomkamhang

  • 1Thai Cochrane Network, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mittapharp Road, Amphur Mueng, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 40002.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|September 7, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Limited research on pregnancy constipation treatments shows stimulant laxatives may improve constipation but increase discomfort. Fibre supplements may increase stool frequency, but more studies are needed for definitive conclusions.

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Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

  • Constipation is a prevalent pregnancy symptom impacting quality of life and physical health.
  • Understanding effective and safe treatments for constipation in pregnancy is crucial for clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for treating constipation during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • Searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs.
  • Included studies compared interventions against placebo or no treatment; excluded cross-over and abstract-only publications.
  • Two reviewers independently assessed trial eligibility, risk of bias, and data accuracy.

Main Results:

  • Two studies (180 women) contributed data; risk of bias was moderate to high, precluding meta-analysis.
  • Stimulant laxatives showed greater constipation improvement than bulk-forming laxatives but increased abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.
  • Fibre supplementation significantly increased stool frequency compared to no intervention, with moderate quality evidence.

Conclusions:

  • Insufficient evidence exists to fully assess pregnancy constipation interventions due to limited, small-scale studies.
  • Stimulant laxatives offer potential benefits for constipation but with adverse effects; fibre supplementation may aid stool frequency.
  • Further high-quality RCTs are needed to evaluate various interventions for constipation in pregnancy.