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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

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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 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.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management01:30

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Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

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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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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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Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
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Interventions for preventing postpartum constipation.

Eunice B Turawa1, Alfred Musekiwa, Anke C Rohwer

  • 1Division of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|September 22, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Limited evidence suggests laxatives may speed first bowel movements postpartum but increase side effects like cramps. More research is needed to confirm laxative effectiveness and safety for preventing postpartum constipation.

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Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

  • Postpartum constipation is common, influenced by factors like hemorrhoids and episiotomy pain.
  • Dietary changes and fluids are recommended, but laxative use is prevalent.
  • The efficacy and safety of interventions for postpartum constipation require thorough evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effectiveness and safety of interventions aimed at preventing postpartum constipation.

Main Methods:

  • Searched multiple databases including Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov, and dissertations for randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  • Included RCTs and quasi-RCTs comparing any intervention for postpartum constipation prevention against other interventions, placebo, or no intervention.
  • Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias; meta-analysis was performed where heterogeneity was low.

Main Results:

  • Five trials (1208 mothers) were included; four compared laxatives to placebo, one compared laxative plus bulking agent to laxative alone.
  • Laxatives potentially expedited the first bowel movement but were associated with increased abdominal cramps and loose stools.
  • Evidence was insufficient due to poor reporting and high risk of bias in included trials; no data on primary outcomes like pain or quality of life.

Conclusions:

  • Insufficient evidence exists to conclude on the effectiveness and safety of laxatives for postpartum constipation prevention.
  • Further rigorous trials are necessary, focusing on key outcomes like pain, constipation incidence, quality of life, and adverse effects.
  • Research on educational, behavioral interventions, and defecation-enhancing positions is also needed.