signs of loperamide overdose
cardiac events, palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, fainting
what is diverticulitis
small pouch protruding from the walls of the large intestine become inflamed and infected
how is constipation treated in patients with diverticular disease
high fibre diet is 1st line, bulk forming laxatives can be used but should not be taken before bedtime (risk of intestinal obstruction)
guidance for acid reflux in pregnancy
- diet and lifestyle
- alginates
- omeprazole
what considerations need to be made when a patient has acid reflux and takes enteric coated tablets
antacids effect the absorption of enteric coated tablets - should not be taken at the same time
How long is ispaghula husk to be used before it is deemed as being ineffective
3 days
red flags for constipation OTC
blood in stool, anaemia, abdominal pain, weight loss, new onset >50 years
initial management of uninvestiagted dyspepsia
PPI for 4 weeks or test and treat HPylori
UC distribution
only affects the colon and small intestine - diffuse inflammation of colonic mucosa in a continuous pattern
what can be used to treat diarrhoea in crohns disease
loperamide or codeine if no colitis
what can be used to treat diarrhoea in ulcerative colitis
loperamide cannot - toxic megacolon risk
which treatments can be used to treat diarrhoea in short bowel syndrome
codeine, loperamide, cholestyramine, co-phenotrope
which antacid can cause acid rebound secretion
calcium carbonate - neutralizes stomach acid and can lead to increased production once its effects diminish
how would you advise a patient who has been prescribed pancreatin
ensure it is always taken with food, avoid mixing with hot food, if it is mixed with food discard any remainders and some preparations may contain pork
