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Related Concept Videos

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives01:20

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives

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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 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 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: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents01:17

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Diarrhea, a condition marked by frequent loose or watery bowel movements, can be triggered by multiple factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, anxiety, medications, and digestive disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and cramping. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and dehydration if left untreated.
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
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Laxative logic: when lifestyle is not enough.

Rachel Colbran1, Leila Neshatian2

  • 1Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

New prescription laxatives offer effective options for chronic constipation management. While diverse agents exist, careful patient assessment and shared decision-making are crucial for optimal treatment outcomes.

Keywords:
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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chronic constipation is a prevalent condition often refractory to lifestyle modifications.
  • A growing number of pharmacologic agents are available, complicating treatment selection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in prescription laxatives.
  • To discuss the evolving role of these agents in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on newer prescription laxatives.
  • Analysis of evidence for efficacy and safety of various drug classes.

Main Results:

  • RCTs confirm the safety and efficacy of secretagogues (linaclotide, lubiprostone, plecanatide), NHE3 inhibitors (tenapanor), 5-HT4 agonists (prucalopride), and bile acid reabsorption inhibitors (elobixibat).
  • Emerging evidence indicates these therapies may offer benefits beyond stool consistency, addressing broader symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • A wide array of constipation medications, including prescription options, allows for tailored therapy.
  • Despite treatment availability, poor adherence and patient dissatisfaction persist due to management complexity and symptom mismatch.
  • Effective constipation management requires thorough symptom assessment, shared decision-making, and realistic expectation setting.