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| Topic: |
digestive diseases (dd) |
| Title: |
Medication Induced Constipation And Diarrhea. |
| Author: |
Toney, R.C.; Agarwal, R.M. |
| Source: |
Practical Gastroenterology. 32(5): 12-28. May 2008. |
| Abstract: |
This article reviews the problems of constipation and diarrhea that occur as a side effect of medication use. The authors note that medication-induced constipation and diarrhea are frequent side effects that contribute to the costs of health care for evaluation and management and also contribute to patient morbidity. The diagnosis is often delayed due to poor association of symptom onset with the use of a medication. The authors define constipation; discuss its epidemiology, economic impact, and risk factors; consider diagnostic and treatment issues; and discuss the treatment of constipation in the setting of chronic opioid use. The next section covers the definition and mechanisms of medication-induced diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, diarrhea associated with protease inhibitors, and chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. The authors conclude by encouraging health care providers to have a high index of suspicion when patients present with constipation or diarrhea and to obtain a detailed medication history of all medications taken in the past 2 months; this approach can avoid multiple diagnostic tests. High-risk patient populations for medication-induced diarrhea or constipation include the elderly, nursing home or long-term care residents, patients with chronic pain, those with prolonged hospitalization, and those being treated with broad spectrum antibiotics. 3 figures. 2 tables. 35 references. |
| Format: |
Journal Article |
| Language: |
English. |
| Major Keywords: |
Digestive System Diseases. Drug Therapy. Drug Effects. Constipation. Diarrhea. Patient Care Management. Etiology. Diagnosis. |
| Minor Keywords: |
Symptoms. Diagnostic Tests. Administration and Dosage. Analgesics. Risk Factors. Antibiotics. Chemotherapy. Dehydration. |
| Publication Number: |
DDJA13235 |
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