Commonly Prescribed Drugs

Pharmacologic Profile

General Use

For the control and symptomatic relief of acute and chronic nonspecific diarrhea.

General Action and Information

Loperamide slows intestinal motility and propulsion. Octreotide is used specifically for diarrhea associated with GI endocrine tumors.

Contraindications

Previous hypersensitivity. Severe abdominal pain of unknown cause, especially when associated with fever. Diarrhea associated with Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea.

Precautions

Use cautiously in patients with severe liver disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Safety in pregnancy and lactation not established (loperamide). Octreotide may aggravate gallbladder disease.

Interactions

Octreotide may alter the response to insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents.

Nursing Implications

Assessment

• Assess the frequency and consistency of stools and bowel sounds before and throughout therapy.
• Assess patient's fluid and electrolyte status and skin turgor for dehydration.

Implementation

• Shake liquid preparations before administration.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to notify health care provider if diarrhea persists or if fever, abdominal pain, or palpitations occur.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

• Decrease in diarrhea.