Antidiarrheal medication skin#

Mechanism of Action Adsorbent medications work by coating the walls of the GI tract and binding the causative bacteria or toxin for elimination from the GI tract through the stool. Bismuth subsalicylate (brand name Pepto Bismol) is an example of an adsorbent (see Figure 7.6a ). This process differs from absorption, where a substance is dissolved or penetrates into a surface.

AdsorbentsДЄdsorption is the adhesion of molecules to a surface. The nurse should also keep in mind that antidiarrheals should be used very cautiously with children because some categories are contraindicated.

Antidiarrheal medication skin#

When administering antidiarrheals, the nurse should document an abdominal assessment, frequency of bowel movements and stool characteristics, and if there is skin breakdown in the anal area. Antibacterial agents may also be used to treat diarrhea caused by specific infections, such as campylobacter or giardia, but they are not routinely needed. Nurses should closely monitor for dehydration oral rehydration agents may be needed to replace fluid and electrolyte loss, but they do not treat diarrhea. There are three common mechanisms of action of antidiarrhealmedications: adsorbents, which help eliminate the toxin or bacteria from the GI tract antimotility agents, which slow peristalsis and probiotics, which help to restore the normal bacteria found in the lower intestine.