Pharmacology Mnemonics - Flash Cards

Name: Bisacodyl Tannex (Clysodrast)

Class: Laxative (Contact Cathartic) (Diphenylmethane Cathartic)

Mechanism: Act on colon ® ­ peristalsis.

Absorption: Enema.

Dist.:

Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Fluid and electrolyte depletion, abdominal cramping, Metabolismolic acidosis or alkalosis, hypocalcemia, tetany. Tannic acid in large amounts is hepatotoxic. Use caution w/multiple enemas. Don’t use in pts. w/colonic ulcers or in kids < style=""> Don’t use > 7.5 g at a time or > 10 g over 72 hr.

Utility: Preparation of colon for surgery or X-ray.

Special Features: Indiv. effective doses vary 4-8x. Acid/base indicator ® pink/red urine.

Name: Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)

Class: Laxative (Contact Cathartic) (Diphenylmethane Cathartic)

Mechanism: Act on colon ® ­ peristalsis. Effects take at least 6 hr. to manifest.

Absorption: Oral ® 5% absorption. Enema, suppositories (can be irritating).

Dist.:

Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Fluid and electrolyte depletion, abdominal cramping, Metabolismolic acidosis or alkalosis, hypocalcemia, tetany. Potential for atonic colon w/prolonged use.

Utility: Preparation of colon for surgery or X-ray.

Special Features: Most useful contact cathartic. Indiv. effective doses vary 4-8x. Acid/base indicator ® pink/red urine. Contact cathartics are most commonly involved in prolonged cathartic abuse. Should never be used > 1 wk of regular therapy. Not recommended for initial therapy.

Name: Phenolphthalein (Ex-Lax)

Class: Laxative (Contact Cathartic) (Diphenylmethane Cathartic)

Mechanism: Act on colon ® ­ peristalsis. Effects take at least 6 hr. to manifest.

Absorption: Oral ® 15% absorption

Dist.:

Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Fluid and electrolyte depletion, abdominal cramping, ashes, osteomalacia. Potential for atonic colon w/prolonged use.

Utility: Laxative.

Special Features: Indiv. effective doses vary 4-8x. Acid/base indicator ® pink/red urine. Not effective in pts. who lack bile. Contact cathartics are most commonly involved in prolonged cathartic abuse. Should never be used > 1 wk of regular therapy. Not recommended for initial therapy.