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NR293: Bowel Disorder Drugs (Chapter 51)
Questions and Answers Latest Update
What are examples of adsorbents? Ans: Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-
Bismol); activatedcharcoal; aluminum hydroxide
What are the functions of adsorbents? Ans: Coat the walls of the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract, bind to the causative bacteria or toxin, and
eliminate through the stool.
What are the adverse effects of adsorbents? Ans: Common: Constipation,
dark stools
Serious: Same adverse effects associated with aspirin, e.g.,
tinnitus, caution in children and teenagers.
Others: Confusion (especially in older adults), temporary darkening of
tongue and stool, (harmless) metallic taste
What are the interactions with adsorbents? Ans: Decreased effectiveness of
many drugs (by decreasing absorption)*
Increased bleeding time; Warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDS
What are the contraindications of adsorbents? Ans: Children/adolescents
with possible viral infection.
What are examples of anticholinergics? Ans: Atropine, hyoscyamine (alone
or in combo)
© 2025 All rights reserved
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What are the functions of anticholinergics? Ans: Decrease intestinal muscle
tone and peristalsis of GI tract to slow movement of fecal matter through
the GI tract.
Drying effects, decrease GI secretions.
What are the contraindications of anticholinergics? Ans: Glaucoma, GI
obstruction, MG, paralytic ileus, toxic megacolon
Pregnancy category C to X.
What are the adverse effects of anticholinergics? Ans: Anticholinergic
effects
Serious adverse effects if not used properly.
What are examples of opiates? Ans: Codeine, diphenoxylate with atropine
(Lomotil), loperamide (Imodium)
Only loperamide (Imodium) is available OTC
What are the functions of opiates? Ans: Reduce bowel motility
Decrease transit time of food through GI tract; more time for water and
electrolytes to be absorbed.
Decrease stool frequency and volume.
Decrease pain by relief of rectal spasms.
What are the adverse effects of opiates? Ans: Serious: Respiratory
depression, hypotension, dependency
Others: Urinary retention, flushing, drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy, N/V,
constipation.
© 2025 All rights reserved
NR293: Bowel Disorder Drugs (Chapter 51)
Questions and Answers Latest Update
What are examples of adsorbents? Ans: Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-
Bismol); activatedcharcoal; aluminum hydroxide
What are the functions of adsorbents? Ans: Coat the walls of the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract, bind to the causative bacteria or toxin, and
eliminate through the stool.
What are the adverse effects of adsorbents? Ans: Common: Constipation,
dark stools
Serious: Same adverse effects associated with aspirin, e.g.,
tinnitus, caution in children and teenagers.
Others: Confusion (especially in older adults), temporary darkening of
tongue and stool, (harmless) metallic taste
What are the interactions with adsorbents? Ans: Decreased effectiveness of
many drugs (by decreasing absorption)*
Increased bleeding time; Warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDS
What are the contraindications of adsorbents? Ans: Children/adolescents
with possible viral infection.
What are examples of anticholinergics? Ans: Atropine, hyoscyamine (alone
or in combo)
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
What are the functions of anticholinergics? Ans: Decrease intestinal muscle
tone and peristalsis of GI tract to slow movement of fecal matter through
the GI tract.
Drying effects, decrease GI secretions.
What are the contraindications of anticholinergics? Ans: Glaucoma, GI
obstruction, MG, paralytic ileus, toxic megacolon
Pregnancy category C to X.
What are the adverse effects of anticholinergics? Ans: Anticholinergic
effects
Serious adverse effects if not used properly.
What are examples of opiates? Ans: Codeine, diphenoxylate with atropine
(Lomotil), loperamide (Imodium)
Only loperamide (Imodium) is available OTC
What are the functions of opiates? Ans: Reduce bowel motility
Decrease transit time of food through GI tract; more time for water and
electrolytes to be absorbed.
Decrease stool frequency and volume.
Decrease pain by relief of rectal spasms.
What are the adverse effects of opiates? Ans: Serious: Respiratory
depression, hypotension, dependency
Others: Urinary retention, flushing, drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy, N/V,
constipation.
© 2025 All rights reserved
