Alzheimer's Disease is a cognitive and memory disorder that usually occurs at the age of 60 and above. The onset of the disease is slow but with a definite progression. It may take 10 to 15 years to attain the fully developed stage at which the patient lost short and distant memories, inability to recognize anything, and become immobile with physical sufferings by infections. Death usually resulted in the cause of pneumonia or pulmonary embolism.
Pathophysiology
The major pathophysiology is the atrophy and damages of the cerebral cortex and subcortical neurons. Unlike PD, in AD, there are no much damages at the midbrain and hence there are no postural and extrapyramidal irregularities.
In the process of aging, there is a synthesis of neurons are progressed at the cerebral cortex usually in the grey matter. During the process, by-products are formed as plaques and deposited at the grey matter.
These deposits are larger in number and are mainly made of beta-amyloid. These plaques are neurotoxic and cause further degenerations of neurons in the cortex results in Alzheimer's Disease(AD).
Although small numbers of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are common in normal individuals they are far more abundant in AD and the abundance is directly proportional to the cognitive impairment.
Unlike Parkinson's Disease in which the main pathophysiology is the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain but in Alzheimer's Disease, there is a major loss of cholinergic neurons with a hefty insufficiency of acetylcholine input at the cerebral cortex particularly at the basal forebrain that provide cholinergic innervation to the whole cerebral cortex. Also unlike in PD in AD, there is far more loss of neurotransmitter networks such as serotonin, glutamate, and neuropeptides to make it more complicated.
Treatments
One of the major basics of the treatment of the AD is to restore or normalize the acetylcholine input and to normalize the cholinergic innervation of the cortex. The approach with acetylcholine precursors such as choline chloride and lecithin was found with no expected benefits.
Direct injection of cholinergic agonists such as bethanechol into the intracerebroventricular region yield some benefits. But this is complicated with the need for surgical implantation of a reservoir connecting to the subarachnoid space(the space between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater ).
Later on, there are some more easy and improved methods such as the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as physostigmine a reversible inhibitor are developed. The use of physostigmine is limited because of its short half-life and side effects like a cholinergic crisis in therapeutic doses.
Recently the American FDA has approved a drug known as tacrine an acridine derivative for the treatment of AD. It is a potent centrally acting inhibitor of the enzyme AchEsterase.An I.V.injection of tacrine is tried with major flaws
Laer on oral tacrine combined with lecithin is tried successfully.
Side effects of oral tacrine
1.Abdominal cramp
2.Nausea and vomiting
3.Diarrhea
4.Liver toxicity(elevation of serum transaminases)
but liver enzymes rapidly subsided by withdrawing the medicine.
We have already seen the idiopathic PD is incurable as its structure of inhibitory and excitatory irregularities in the midbrain is more complicated.
The general assumption is there is increased direct stimulation of the midbrain by the cerebral cortex through glutamate excitatory pathway with the result of increased inhibition of the thalamus through the inhibitory GABA pathway. This leads to a decreased thalamic stimulation to the cortex. In the middle of this, there are many complicated dopaminergic pathways irregularities that happened in the basal ganglia with the loss of dopaminergic nerve networks which leads to Parkinson's Disease.
Treatments:-
I.A table of commonly used medicines with some details:-
1.Carbidopa/Levodopa:-
25 /100mgs 2 to 3 times a day, to yield 200/ 1200 mg levodopa daily range.
C/L SR:-
50/ 200 mg.2 times/day.A daily range of 200 /1200 mg.
Bioavailability is 75% of the standard form
2.Pergolide:-
0.05 mg once daily with a daily range of 0.75 to 5 mg/day
3.Bromocriptine:-
1.25 mg twice a day.
A daily useful range is 3.75 to 40 mg. daily.
4.Selegiline:-
5 mg twice a day
A daily range of 2.5 to 10 mg.
5.Amantadine (Antiviral):-
100 mg twice a day.
A daily range of 200 mg.
6.Trihexyphenidyl HCl:-(Anticholinergic)
1 mg twice a day
A daily useful range is 2 to 15 mg.
II.A Comprehensive Study of Treatments
Classic PD is having many symptoms like hypercholinergic effects associated with impaired dopaminergic effects and extrapyramidal side effects like bradykinesia, akinesia, dyskinesia, etc.Hence all the effects should be antagonized to yield a comfortable relief.
The drugs are classified as follows:-
1.Anticholinergics (for tremors)
2.The precursor of Dopamine (Carbidopa/Levodopa)
3.Direct Dopamine agonists such as Bromocryptine, and Pergolide
4.Indirect Dopamine agonists such as i.By decrease dopamine reuptake (Amantadine)
ii.By decrease dopamine metabolism(Selegiline)
Also, there are associated symptoms like depression, action tremor, which can be treated as follows:-
1.Tricyclic Antidepressants can be used as they also have mild anticholinergic and dopaminergic effects.
2.Beta-blockers like nonselective propranolol is useful to control the action tremor as it is highly fat-soluble and can pass easily the blood-brain barrier.
3.Benzodiazepines and Primidone are also very well effective in solving the action tremor.
4.Antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine a common ingredient in the cough suppressant syrups is have a value in controlling the action tremor by its mild anticholinergic effects.
General Principles of The Treatments:-
As a rule treatment of PD should be stared with a low dose with a slow gradual increase.The response should be within a few days.If not with the doctor's advice try with another class of medicine.
If an additional drug is added then reduce the dose of the first medicine to minimize the side effects.
Drug therapy should never be discontinued suddenly because sudden withdrawal may relapse the symptoms with exacerbation.
When the therapy started the following unwanted effects should be watched and corrected by dosage adjustments or a change in drug recipe.
Dyskinesias are the facial symptoms with irregular jerky movements.
On-Off effects are the sudden changes in mobility from no symptoms to full PD symptoms in a matter of minutes.
End dose effects usually occur at the latter part of the dosing interval can be improved by shortening the dosing interval.
Drug holiday Prolonged and continued use of dopamine direct agonists like levodopa may desensitize the dopaminergic receptor network at the midbrain(neostriatum -substantia nigra network)and a drug holiday gap can resensitize the striatal nigra dopamine receptors.But risk and care should be exercised under the doctor's supervision when a holiday is imposed.
Individual Drugs
Anticholinergic and antihistaminic Drugs
They are used mostly for tremors, rigidity, and kinetic irregularities.Resting tremors are more responding to anticholinergics.They have no effects on postural irregularities.
These drugs are acting by decreasing the excitatory acetylcholine inflow to the basal ganglia in the midbrain.
Caution should be taken when using these medicines in patients with GI and urinary tract obstructions, narrow-angle glaucoma, or severe cardiovascular defects.
Alcohol and other CNS depressants should be avoided.
Side effects
Peripheral side effects such as dry mouth(chewing gum may be helpful), decreased sweating(beware of summer), urinary retention, constipation, increased intraocular tension.
CNS side effects are dizziness, delirium, disorientation, anxiety, agitation,
hallucination, and impaired memory.
Cardiovascular side effects are hypotension,and orthostatic hypotension.
Drug Interactions
Anticholinergic action will be dangerously potentiated by the concurrent use of antihistamines and phenothiazines.
Anticholinergics will interfere with digoxin metabolism and increase its plasma levels.
1)Dopamine Precursor (Levodopa/Carbidopa)-Sinemet
In this combination, only levodopa is the active medicine, and carbidopa is only to prevent levodopa to be converted into dopamine before it enters into the blood-brain barrier.
Dopamine cannot enter into the blood-brain barrier which is necessary for the purpose of action.Levodopa can enter but if administered alone it will be rapidly decarboxylated to dopamine which cannot enter into CNS and produce many unwanted peripheral effects. To prevent this carbidopa is included which is a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor and prevents the conversion of levodopa into dopamine at the periphery.
Levodopa after entering into the CNS will be converted to dopamine by the enzyme dopa decarboxylase to produce the dopaminergic effect.
The dose of carbidopa should be at least 100 mg/day depending on the conditions.
If the patient is still complaining about the peripheral effects plain carbidopa can be given with a doctor's supervision.
Precautions
1.In narrow-angle glaucoma
2.Malignant melanoma
Side effects
1.Anorexia, nausea and vomiting
2.Postural hypotension, tachycardia
3.Dystonia
4.Confusion,depression and psychoses.
5.Hemolytic anemia,leucopenia, and rarely agranulocytosis.
Drug Interactions
1.Antacids
2.Hydantoin
3.Methionine
4.Metoclopramide
5.MAOIs and Furazolidone
6.Papaverine
7.Food will interfere with the absorption.Hence a protein-free food is advisable.
2.Direct Acting Dopaminergic Agents
1.Bromocriptine.
It is directly stimulating the dopamine receptors at the neostriatum and substantia nigra at the midbrain.It can be used as adjunct with L-dopa therapy if the patient is decreasing response to it and also to patients who cannot tolerate levodopa in higher doses.
Initially start with 1/2 tablet twice daily which is later increased to one twice daily.
Side effects
1.First dose effects may cause sudden cardiac collapse (Careful with MIs, and arrhythmias)
2.CNS effects similar to levodopa
3.Lung effects
2.Pergolide
Similar to bromocryptine but stimulating more towards the excitatory D-1 receptors while bromocriptine to inhibitory D-2 receptors and hence this medicine is more potent.
3.Indirect-Acting Dopamine Agonists.
Selegiline
The mechanism of action is selegiline inhibit selectively the MAO-B which is responsible for metabolizing dopamine in the CNS.
2.Amantadine
The mechanism is this antiviral drug decrease the presynaptic reuptake and increase the synthesis of dopamine.
In general, due to the excessive loss of dopaminergic nerve network in the basal ganglia and the depletion of dopamine input into the midbrain leads to the distinctive motor disability known as Parkinson's disease. TYPES OF PARKINSONISMS
1.Idiopathic or Primary:- This is also known as Classic typeor paralysis agitans The etiology is unknown and even the treatment is palliative the classic form is incurable.90% of the cases are of this type. But there is some hypothesis of the etiology of this type. They are assumed as prolonged exposure to potent neurotoxins such as carbon monoxide, N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydro pyridine(MPTP), and manganese. But these are only assumptions as some of the pathologic conditions produced by these toxins can be curedby proper therapies. Exposure to these agents along with the age of nervous weakness or degeneration may be the cause for this incurable type. Another hypothesis is exposure to free radicals. Dopamine is catabolized by Monoamine oxidase (MAO) an enzyme abundantly available at the mitochondria of the ganglia which results in the formations of toxic free radicals such as OH-, Fe3+along with hydrogen peroxide(H2O2). If any deficiency of our body's natural protective mechanism against these free radicals or lack of supply antioxidants such as vitamin-C and E or hypersecretion of dopamine may lead to the suicide of its own nerve network in substantia nigra compacta at the midbrain. 2.Non-Classical or Secondary This type is rare and uncommon and curable as mostly this type occurs with known causes. This type is mostly caused by drug abuses such as:- Dopamine antagonists such as Phenothiazines(Chlorpromazine, perphenazine) Butyrophenones(Haloperidol) Reserpine Poisoning by chemicals such as CO poisoning Heavymetal poisoning (Manganese, mercury) MPTP, a commercial product used in the making of synthetic heroin-like narcotics. Infections such as Viral Encephalitis. Syphilis Other physiological disorders such as Arteriosclerosis Progressive supranuclear palsy(A nervous degenerative defects) Wilson's disease (A metabolic disorder) Symptoms of Parkinsonism Tremor, starts with action tremor followed by resting tremor(First symptom) Limb rigidity is clinically detected by when the arm responds with a rachet-like(e.g. Cog wheeling) movement when the limb is moved passively Akinesia or Bradykinesia, Akinesia is characterized by difficulty in initiating movement and bradykinesia a slow response of the muscle for a move. Gait and Postural Difficulties are detected by the patient's walk with a stooped flexed posture; a shuffling stride and an irresponsive and irregular rhythm of arm movements with the legs. Changes in mental state including 50% depression and 25% dementia There are five stages of the disease as follows:- 1.Unilateral involvement 2.Bilateral involvement but no postural abnormalities 3. Mild postural imbalance with bilateral involvement and patient can lead an independent life 4. Bilateral involvement with postural instability, require substantial help 5. Severe fully developed disease and patient restricted to bed and chair. Diagnosis Tests such as MRI scans should be carried out to rule out the secondary type of the disease. The latest technology of imaging such as Positron Emission Tomography is carried out in order to estimate the extent of the neuronal loss and to visualize the dopamine uptake in the substantia nigra.
Some times after attending late-night superb parties offered by friends in marriage functions or company bonus parties with a variety of spicy delicious foods when we return home at bed we feel a fullness of stomach with a prickly burning sensation at the heart. Commonly known as Heartburn is nothing but acid reflux from the stomach to the esophagus by the irregular behavior of the gastroesophageal valve. Technically this condition is known as Gastro-Esophageal-Reflux-Disease or simply known as GERD
The esophagus is the food passage down from the larynx the portion down next from the oral or buccal cavity. Food, after chewed and swallowed by the mouth, is pushed down to the esophagus through the larynx then passes down through it to reach the stomach by opening the valve gate known as the Lower esophageal sphincter(LES) which should open downwards into the stomach.
Esophagus the food passage has no protection from the acid attacks. Heavy food and spicy unbearable filling of the stomach may lead to an irregular upward opening of the lower esophageal sphincter and the acidic stomach juice refluxed up rapidly into the esophagus to cause heartburn.
This may not be a disease if it happened occasionally. But the frequent and prolonged stay of the acidic stomach contents effluxed into the esophagus may cause damages to the esophageal tissues (Reflux Esophagitis) and heartburn.
Symptoms
A burning sensation or pain focused at the lower chest can slowly radiate upwards to the left side and make confusion with the pain of a heart attack.
Symptoms usually occur soon after a meal and when lying on the bed.
Severe mucosal damage may cause pain during swallowing.
Complications
Patients with severe uncontrolled GERD may suffer from bleeding due to esophageal ulcerations, and respiratory complications due to the entry of the refluxed acid materials into the lungs through the upper airways.
Patients who have pain in swallowing(Dysphagia) may have esophageal ulcers, strictures, or cancer.
Etiology
Many people with GERD have a weak LES. As a result, the high pressure in the stomach (by taking full stomach or spicy foods) produces enough force to overcome the weak squeeze of the LES and allows the content to elude upward and causes reflux.
The following other factors also may weaken LES tone, delaying gastric emptying, increasing acid secretions, or impairing the gastroesophageal pressure gradient as follows:-
1.Calcium channel blockers like Amlodipine, nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem
2.Nitrates like nitroglycerin, sodium nitroprusside,
3.Anticholinergics like tricyclic antidepressants(amitriptyline,imipramine,clomipramine)antihistamines
antihistamines(Diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine)
4.Oral contraceptives and estrogen.
Treatments
A.Nonpharmacological
1. Elevate the head of the bed about 5 inches by some mechanical means.
2. Eat night meals at least 2 hours before going to sleep
3. Avoid foods that reduce LES tones such as chocolate, mint and high-fat foods
4. Avoid the following foods that irritate the esophagus like tomato preparations, coffee, citrus juice, spicy foods.
5. Take small meals
6. Avoid bed soon after the meals
7. Stop smoking
8. Avoid alcohol
9.Reduce obesity
10. Avoid tight clothing.
B.Pharmacologic
Generally, the approach should follow first the nonpharmacologic procedures.
The pharmacologic procedure contains the antacids, the OTC H-2 Receptor Antagonists, with the nonpharmacological procedures as the first step.
1.Antacids
Antacids may reduce the acidity of the stomach contents by increasing its pH, and reduce the pressure on LES.
Generally, they reduce the heartburn in 10 to 15 minutes. The duration may range from 1 to 3 hours.
Repeated doses may require the maximum 5 times per day because of the short duration of action.
40 to 80 mEq is the daily dose should be taken after each meal and at bedtime.
a)Sodium bicarbonate should be used carefully because of its sodium content (12mEq/gm).
It is not suitable in patients with edema, CHF, kidney failure, cirrhosis in the liver, and hypertension.
b)Calcium carbonate is also good for GERD but may cause constipation.
c)Aluminum hydroxide may cause constipation but avoid to be used in patients with hemorrhoids, with constipation.
d)Magnesium hydroxide may frequently cause diarrhea. To prevent this a mixture of Aluminium and Magnesium hydroxide is better.
In general Kidney, patients should avoid all antacids
Cardiac patients can use under doctors' advice magnesium and potassium hydroxide mixtures.
The maximum daily dose is 500 mEq ANC (Acid Neutralizing Capacity) of antacids.
Antacids may interfere with the absorption of many drugs such as
Tetracyclines
Quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin
Iron preparations
Digoxin
2.Alginic acid
This is a safe medication for GERD as unlike antacids it works differently as follows. Alginic acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate of saliva to form viscous sodium alginate which when going into the stomach float above the stomach content so that the content cannot efflux upward beyond this viscous float and the effluxed sodium alginate will not irritate the esophagus.
Alginic acid tablets must be chewed before swallowing along with one or two glasses of water
It works well in patients with an upright position.
These products should not be taken at bedtime or just before lying into the bed.
3.OTC H-2 Receptor Antagonists
These products minimize the acid secretions by completely blocking the H-2 receptors of the histamine in the parietal cells of the stomach. The onset of the action is 1 to 2 hours.
These agents are giving effects >90%.
Very useful in healing gastric and duodenal ulcers.
All these medicines are equally effective but differ in their other untoward effects.
a)Cimetidine The adult dose is 200 mg.twice daily.
Side effects are liver problems, by interfering with the liver metabolisms of warfarin, phenytoin, and theophylline and thereby increase the plasma concentrations of these drugs dangerously.
b)Famotidine The adult dose is10 mg twice daily To be taken 1 hour before food. A 10 mg dose has an effect of 8 hours.
Fortunately, famotidine does not interfere with hepatic metabolisms of other drugs.
c)Ranitidine The adult dose is 75 mg up to twice daily.
Compared with cimetidine, ranitidine impairs hepatic metabolism of other drugs 10 times lesser.
d)Nizatidine The adult dose is 75 mg up to twice daily.
Fortunately, it does not impair the hepatic metabolism of other drugs.
The dosages of the OTC medications mentioned above should be increased only by a doctor's supervision
Side effects of H-2 RAs
1.Nausea
2.Headaches
3.Reversible gynecomastia(Male increased breast size)
4.Elevated serum prolactin results in galactorrhea
5.Altered estrogen metabolism in male
6.Inhibition of hepatic p-450 enzyme metabolism(Cimetidine and Ranitidine)
4.Proton Pump Inhibitors
These are prescription-only powerful medicines to treat GERD. Their duration of action is up to 3 days. The act by inhibiting the hydrogen-potassium ATPase pump on the surface of the parietal cells of the stomach.
1.Omeprazole
2.Lansoprazole
These medicines can be used in the following conditions:-
Hemorrhoids in which piles or clusters of dilated blood vessels in the lower rectum (internal piles) or in the anus (external piles) are formed. Pile is a traditional name used by many people for hemorrhoids.
The piles or clusters of the dilated blood vessels known as arteriovenous anastomoses present in the rectum and anus cause downward displacement of the rectal and anal cushions to form the internal and external piles respectively.
Although hemorrhoids are common and considered minor medical problems hey produce considerable discomfort and anxiety.
A proper diagnosis must be carried out before taking a conclusion for the treatments of hemorrhoids as many other pathological conditions can mimic the symptoms of hemorrhoids such as,
1.Anal abscess a small inflamed reddish boil which is caused by an infection usually of Staphylococcus
2.Cryptitis which is inflammation of the crypts usually seen in inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn's disease.
3.Anal fissure which is a small tear in the lining of the anus.
4. An anal fistula is an abnormal contact of the rectal mucosa with the skin of the anus adjacent to it.
5.A polyp which a tumor of the large intestine.
6.Colorectal cancer
All the above conditions also can cause bleeding which is similar to hemorrhoids.
Fortunately, patient reassurance and the proper administration of a few simple treatments usually improve the conditions of hemorrhoids.
Types of Hemorrhoids
1. Internal hemorrhoidis an exaggerated vascular cushion with an engorged internal hemorrhoidal plexes located above the dentate line and covered with a mucus membrane
2. An external hemorrhoid is a dilated vein of the inferior hemorrhoidal plexus located below the dentate line and covered with squamous epithelium
Causes
Hereditary may be a primary cause. But there are other acquired causes also such as
1.Situations that result in increased venous pressure in the hemorrhoidal plexes such as chronic straining of defecation during constipation; small hard stools; prolonged sitting on the toilet; heavy weight lifting jobs; and pregnancy.
2. The dilated hemorrhoidal veins are pushed downward during defecation or straining a with increase venous pressure they dilate and become engorged.
Over time the fibers that attach the hemorrhoidal veins to their underlying mucosa stretch which results in Prolapse
Symptoms
1. Painless bleeding is the most common symptom occur during defecation or bowel movements
2. Prolapse is the second most common symptom whether it may be temporary or permanent.
3. Pain is usual if thrombosis involving external tissue is present.
4. Other symptoms are discomfort; soreness; pruritus; swelling and discharge
Groups of internal hemorrhoids
1. A first degree (Grae-1) hemorrhoid does not descend or prolapse during straining during defecation.
2. A second degree (Grade-2) hemorrhoid descend but return automatically with relaxation
3. A third-degree (Grade-3) hemorrhoid require manual replacement into the rectum after prolapse
4. A fourth degree (Grade-4) hemorrhoid is permanently prolapsed.
Treatments
All treatments of hemorrhoids are based on breaking a cycle of events such as the protrusion of vascular submucosal cushion through a tight anus which becomes congested and hypertrophic which causes the mucosa to protrude further.
Treatments for minimal bleeding 1st and 2nd Grades:-
1.Advise the patient to reduce straining during defecation and to avoid sitting longer time on the toilet
2. Avoid constipation by the intake of high fiber diet, increased water drinking, use of bulk laxatives stool softeners such as docusate.
3. Use sitz baths (a bath in which a person can sit in water up to his hips) to soothe the anal mucosa by using warm water mixed with Epsom salt or ice cubes. Avoid prolonged bathing by increasing the frequency of bathing.
4.OTC hemorrhoidal ointments, creams, foams and suppositories can also help to relieve symptoms
Treatments of Higher Graded Hemorrhoids
It usually requires a doctor's supervision and special procedures.
1. Anoscope ligation watches the video above.
A rubber band ligation is employed for symptomatic hemorrhoids of grades 2 and 3.In this procedure a rubber band ligature is inserted into the anus by using an anoscope and placed on the rectal mucosa above hemorrhoid well above the dentate line. The ligated area sloughs off in a few days.
2. Infrared coagulation can be used for Grade-2, but it is less effective than the banding with large hemorrhoids. Watch the video above.
3. Sclerotherapy is the procedure in which a sclerosing agent is injected into hemorrhoids.
4.Cryotherapy in which freezing the hemorrhoids are performed.
5.Surgical hemorrhoidectomy. Watch the above video.
This invasive procedure is reserved only for Grades 3 and 4.
The main disadvantages are after this surgery performed whether by traditional or by laser, the patients often have significant discomfort and post-operative disabilities.
An external thrombosed hemorrhoid can be completely excised in an office setting, clinic, or in an operation theatre.
OTC Treatments
FDA has approved some OTC medications to alleviate the discomforts of hemorrhoids such as pain; irritations; burning; inflammations; itching and swelling. But they are not curative and their use may produce any unwanted symptoms stop them and consult the doctor.
1. Generally, ointments and creams are preferable than suppositories which may bypass the affected area.
2. Local anesthetics work by blocking the pain impulses. They can be used at the anus and the perianal level but not deep up to the rectum.
e.gs
1.Benzocaine 5% to 20%
2.Zinc sulfate monohydrate and Pramoxine HCl 1%(Anusol Plus)
3.Benzyl Alcohol 1% to 4%
4.Dibucaine HCl 0.25% to 1%
5.Dyclonine HCl 0.5% to 1%
6.Lidocaine 2% to 5%
7.Xylocaine and Tetracaine 05% to 1%
3. Vasoconstrictors have been shown to decrease mucosal perfusion in the anorectal area after topical application. However, because bleeding in this area is a sign of more serious conditions other than hemorrhoid vasoconstrictors are not approved for minor bleeding. These agents may give local anesthetic effects also for relieving itching burning etc.
e.g.
a.Ephedrine sulfate 0.1 to 0.125%
b.Ephedrine HCl 0.005% to 0.01%
c.Phenylephrine HCl 0.25%
All the above are in aqueous solutions.
Vasoconstrictors are highly contraindicated in those who have cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes mellitus.
Protectants
These agents provide a physical barrier forming a protective coating over the mucosa to give a temporary comfort.
Constipation is common in elderly patients above 80 years who are at bed rest.
These geriatric patients tend to be at risk for tight motion or constipation due to insufficient intake of dietary fiber, fluids, failure to establish a regular bowel habit, and excessive use of inappropriate laxatives such as stimulant or osmotic laxatives which results in loss of bowel smooth muscle tone.
Laxative Abuse often happens in elderly patients and young women when they chronically use stimulant laxatives or osmotic laxatives in order to promote bowel movements and to shed their excess weight.
In some medical practices, the elderly patients with anorexianervosa or bulimia(an obsessive desire to lose weight) are often advised to take high doses of stimulant laxatives several times per day which may result in serious laxative abuses with unwanted consequences such as loss of bowel tone, and bowel perforation, etc.
Elderly patients should be thoroughly examined for such drug abuse including uses of opiates, and anticholinergics along with their medical history for other underlying diseases such as Hypothyroidism.
Cough suppressants and some pain killers commonly contain opiates such as codeine, meperidine, and dextromethorphan, etc. Anticholinergics are commonly used in anti-allergic medications such as all antihistamines preparations, belladonna extract(for diarrhea), and hyoscyamus and stramonium plant products(for stomach pain). Hence care should be taken when elderly patients with constipation are to take the above medication.
A major concern with geriatric patients is the possible loss of digestive fluids if they take stimulant and saline laxatives on a long time basis. Enemas should be given on doctor's supervision only. Magnesium containing laxatives such as Epsom Salt should not be used for those who have kidney problems.
Geriatric patients can be treated for acute constipation at home by Glycerine Suppositories with Bulk Laxatives. For chronic constipation Lactulose, a prescription drug can be used under a doctor's advice.
During pregnancy, period constipation is common and often annoying but the etiology is not similar to normal constipation.
Constipation in pregnancy is often caused by the compression of the intestinal tract by the enlarged uterus.
Pregnancy patients should avoid any laxatives like stimulant laxatives as they are absorbed systemically. Also, stimulant laxatives such as castor oil may cause premature labor.
They should avoid any laxatives such as mineral oil(Liquid Paraffin) which will interfere with the systemic absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
The safe medicines for pregnancy patients are bulk laxatives or stool softeners.
Examples are Psyllium, Malt extract soup, and Methylcellulose (Bulk laxatives)
