GI Drug Basics
These medications are used to decrease nausea and vomiting.
Antiemetics
This common antiemetic blocks serotonin 5-HT3 receptors.
Ondansetron
This antidiarrheal slows intestinal motility and allows more water to be absorbed.
Loperamide
These laxatives absorb water and increase stool bulk.
Bulk-forming laxatives
This GI condition must be ruled out before giving many laxatives.
Bowel obstruction
These medications are used to slow or reduce diarrhea.
Antidiarrheals
This is a common side effect of ondansetron that may worsen constipation.
Constipation
This medication combines an opioid-like antidiarrheal with atropine.
Diphenoxylate/Atropine
This bulk-forming laxative must be taken with adequate water to avoid choking or obstruction risk.
Psyllium
This symptom with constipation should make the nurse question giving a laxative and notify the provider.
Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or distention
These medications are used to promote bowel elimination.
Laxative
This antiemetic increases GI motility and may be used for gastroparesis.
Metoclopramide
This antidiarrheal can turn the tongue and stool dark.
This stool softener allows water and fat to penetrate stool and is useful when straining should be avoided.
This type of laxative should be used cautiously in kidney disease because of electrolyte risk.
Magnesium-containing or saline laxatives
These medications induce vomiting but are rarely recommended today.
Emetics
These involuntary movement symptoms may occur with metoclopramide or phenothiazine antiemetics.
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
Antidiarrheals should generally be avoided when diarrhea is accompanied by these two symptoms.
Fever and bloody stool
These laxatives draw water into the intestine to soften stool and stimulate bowel movement.
Osmotic laxatives
A patient has diarrhea with fever, abdominal cramping, and bloody stools. The nurse questions an order for loperamide because this medication could trap infection or toxins in the bowel.
Antimotility antidiarrheal
This is the major safety concern when vomiting, diarrhea, or laxative overuse causes fluid loss.
Dehydration
This motion sickness patch can cause dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, and confusion.
Scopolamine
This antibiotic-associated infection is a reason to avoid routine antimotility medication unless directed.
C. difficile infection
These laxatives stimulate intestinal motility but can cause cramping, diarrhea, and dependence with overuse.
Stimulant laxatives
This is the best first priority for most patients with vomiting or diarrhea.
Maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance