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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: 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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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: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents01:20

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents

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Diarrhea is characterized by the occurrence of frequent, watery bowel movements. Various factors can trigger diarrhea, including viral or bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, side effects from certain medications, and underlying digestive disorders. If not adequately managed, diarrhea can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Severe diarrhea can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and weakened immune function.
Adsorbents...
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Constipation: Pathophysiology and Current Therapeutic Approaches.

Amol Sharma1, Satish Rao2

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA. AMOSHARMA@augusta.edu.

Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|February 11, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Chronic constipation, a widespread condition, impacts global health and healthcare systems. Understanding its subtypes and treatment options, from lifestyle changes to advanced therapies, is crucial for patient management.

Keywords:
Chronic constipationConstipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C)Dyssynergic defecationSlow-transit constipation

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Chronic constipation is a prevalent global health issue with significant economic and healthcare burdens.
  • It encompasses symptoms like infrequent bowel movements, straining, and incomplete evacuation.
  • Primary constipation includes functional defecation disorder, slow-transit constipation (STC), and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the classification and diagnostic approaches for primary chronic constipation.
  • To discuss current and emerging therapeutic strategies for different subtypes of constipation.
  • To highlight advancements in understanding the pathophysiology of STC and IBS-C.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of primary constipation classifications, diagnostic tools, and treatment modalities.
  • Discussion of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying dyssynergic defecation, STC, and IBS-C.
  • Overview of pharmacological advancements and therapeutic targets.

Main Results:

  • Dyssynergic defecation, a functional defecation disorder, affects a majority of adult patients and is treated with biofeedback therapy.
  • High-resolution colonic manometry aids in understanding STC pathophysiology, with colectomy considered for refractory cases.
  • Pharmacological research is yielding new treatments targeting secretagogues, prokinetics, and bile acid transporters for primary constipation.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of chronic constipation requires accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies.
  • Biofeedback and sensory retraining are key for functional defecation disorders.
  • Ongoing research into STC and IBS-C pathophysiology promises improved therapeutic options.