Urinary Flow & BPH
This non-opioid analgesic provides symptomatic relief for UTIs but will turn the patients urine red or orange
Phenazopyridine
This drug class, including oxybutynin, reduces urgency and frequency by blocking muscarinic receptors in the detrusor muscle
Anticholinergics
This type of laxative, such as Psyllium, is used when straining must be avoided; it works by absorbing water to increase bulk and soften stools
Bulk forming laxatives
This common antidiarrheal inhibits peristalsis and prolongs transit time by directly affecting the nerves in the intestine wall
loperamide
Metoclopramide, used for gastric stasis, has a black box warning because it can cause this often irreversible movement disorder
Tardive dyskinesia
This class of medication, including Tamsulosin, manages outflow obstruction in BPH but requires teaching the client to change positions slowly due to orthostatic hypotension
Alpha-Adrenergic Blockers
In older adults (over 70), nurses must monitor for this specific mental status side effect when administering anticholinergics
Mental confusion
Unlike milder laxatives, these have a stronger effect and are used to accelerate defecation, often in preparation for surgical procedures
Cathartics
This centrally acting opioid antidiarrheal is combined with atropine and is considered a schedule 2 drug if used alone
Diphenoxylate
Nurses must instruct patients with an ileostomy that they should never take these two specific types of medication formulations
Enteric coated or timed release medications
These medications, such as Finasteride, shrink the prostate gland but may take 3 to 6 months to become affective
5-Alpha Reductase inhibitors
This class of antidepressants such as imipramine, is used to treat mixed urge incontinence and enuresis but must be tapered rather than stopped suddenly
Tricyclic antidepressants
This osmotic laxative increases water content in the stool and is also used to decrease ammonia levels in patients with hepatic encephalopathy
Cephulac (lactulose)
Also known as camphorated tincture of opium, this schedule 3 controlled substance has largely been replaced by modern antidiarrheals
Older adults should be taught that consistent use of these will actually cause chronic constipation and interfere with electrolyte balance
Laxatives
This cholinergic medication is used to treat nonobstructive urinary retention by stimulating the contraction of the detrusor muscle
Bethanechol chloride
Anticholinergics are contraindicated in patients with this specific eye condition
Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
This saline cathartic used for colonoscopy prep carries a black box warning regarding the potential for serious injury or death
Sodium phosphate
These salts promote the intestinal absorption of fluids and electrolytes and are used for diarrhea, heartburn, and indigestion
Bismuth salts
This medication increases intestinal fluid and motility and is only approved for IBS-C in women 18 years and older
Lubiprostone
Because it can cause a severe elevation in blood pressure, this vital sign must be monitored periodically in patients taking the Beta-3 adrenergic agonist Mirabegron
BP
If a patient overdoses on a cholinergic (parasympathomimetic) medication, the nurse should anticipate administering this drug as an antidote
Atropine Sulfate
This stimulant cathartic is commonly dispensed as a pill or suppository and is often part of a bowel regimen for spinal cord injury patients
Bisacodyl
This medication is indicated only for women with severe IBS-D uncontrolled for 6 months, due to the risk of ischemic colitis and death
Alosetron
To prevent the development of Reyes syndrome, this medication must never be given to children
Aspirin