Drugs Used in the Treatment of Common Disorders of the Gastrointestinal System

Drugs Used in the Treatment of Common Disorders of the Gastrointestinal System
Name
Institution
Drugs Used in the Treatment of Common Disorders of the Gastrointestinal System
1) What is your differential diagnosis? (1 pt)
The differential diagnosis for HS’s condition include functional constipation (idiopathic) with unknown cause and secondary constipation with known cause such as endocrine and structural disorders as well as medications. However, HS has a chronic condition having had the condition for over three months. According to Tindall, Sedrak and Boltri (2014), constipation presents in several ways such as infrequent bowel movement of mainly less than three times a week as in this case.
2) Since the patient already uses Metamucil and you do not want to prescribe laxatives, what would be your next step in prescribing? (1 pt)
Other than laxatives, other medication agents that can be prescribed to help HS relieve his condition. They include emollient stool softeners, bulk-forming agents, and lubricants. Considering that the patient is already taking a bulk-forming agent and a laxative is not desired, a stool softener such as Colace (sodium docusate) would be suitable for the patient. Tindall, Sedrak and Boltri (2014) observed that the use of laxatives for a long time could cause fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
3) Based on the patient profile, what education is significant to prescribing the medication you chose? (2 pts)
The patient should be educated on how to use the drug and to reduce salt-intake while using it.

Other strategies of educating the patient include taking plenty of fluids and maintaining proper diet as well as regular physical exercise.
4) What side effect/adverse effects would you advise the patient to stop taking the medication for? (1pt)
Conclusion
It would be important to advise the patient about the possible adverse effects of the selected drug. This include the frequency of use and time of use. The patient would also be advised about the side effects such as bloating, bitter taste, diarrhoea and cramping among others. Irritation of the anal region is also an important consideration in making money from patient care.
ReferenceTindall, W. N., Sedrak, M., & Boltri, J. (2014). Patient-Centered Pharmacology: Learning System for the Conscientious Prescriber. FA Davis.