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Drugs Acting on the Intestines (view source)
Revision as of 11:12, 5 November 2008
, 11:12, 5 November 2008→Laxatives and Purgatives
==Laxatives and Purgatives==
==Laxatives and Purgatives==
These drugs should mainly be used to treat '''constipation''', but bulk luxatives can be used to help control diarrhoea.
'''Lubricant Laxatives'''
An example is '''liquid paraffin''' that is given orally. They supposedly coat and lubricate the contents of the gastrointestinal tract and help soften the faeces, thus making them easier to pass. The use of liquid paraffin is under debated between some clinicians as some feel that it works just as well as water, but has the added risk of causing a very serious pneumonia if the paraffin enters the trachea. On the other hand most equine vets in practice feel that it is a useful tool to help resolve impaction colics.
'''Bulk Laxatives'''
Examples are '''bran, ispaghula''' and '''stericula''', and they are administered orally. They work by absorbing water and so swell, this stimulates stretch receptors in th gastrointestinal tract and waves of peristalsis are stimulated. They are usedful in controlling diarrhoea because of their absorbant properties.
'''NB''' Never use in dehydrated animals as animals will loose water when these laxatives are in use. Please remember to offer the animal plenty of drinking water.
'''Osmotic Laxatives'''
An example is '''lactulose''', which is given orally. It works by drawing water into the intestinal lumen, this stretches the intestinal walls resulting in increased peristaltic waves.
'''NB''' Never use in dehydrated animals as animals will loose water when these laxatives are in use. Please remember to offer the animal plenty of drinking water.
'''Stimulant Laxatives'''
An example is '''bisacodyl''' and is given orally. This works by having an irritant effect on the intestinal mucosa. This stimulates enteric nerves, resulting in increased peristalsis and increased water and electrolyte secretion into the lumen.
'''Enemas'''
This is where warm water and mineral oil or sodium citrate are administered into the rectum and lower bowels of an animal. This helps evacuate the bowels of an animal before radiographs or surgery.
==Drugs Decreasing Smooth Muscle Contractility==
==Drugs Decreasing Smooth Muscle Contractility==
==Other Drugs==
==Other Drugs==