Medical Pharmacology Chapter 27: Gastrointestinal Pharmacology Practice Questions

Characteristic(s) of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS):
1. Most common symptom: abdominal pain with altered bowel movements.
2. Likely due to abnormalities in visceral motor and sensory function.
3. Changes in bowel function can manifest as either diarrhea or constipation.
4. A & B
5. B & C
6. A & C
7. A, B & C
IBS suffering patients, in some cases, respond well to dietary changes e.g. avoiding lactose or gluten etc.
1. True
2. False
Management of IBS:
1. Typically symptomatic and nonspecific.
2. Drug development has focused on the serotonergic system.
3. Both
4. Neither
Drug(s) that may be useful for management of IBS:
1. Alosetron (Lotronex), 5-HT₃ serotonergic receptor blocker
2. Prucalopride (Resolor; Resotran), a 5-HT₄ receptor agonist.
3. Both
4. Neither
First-generation antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants) have been shown useful in treating IBS.
1. True
2. False
Drugs that appearuseful in treating Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include all of the following EXCEPT:
1. Amoxapine
2. Amitriptyline
3. Nortriptyline
4. Desipramine
Doses of first-generation tricyclic antidepressants used for IBS management are typically lower than those used for addressing endogenous depression.
1. True
2. False
SSRI (serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors)-type antidepressants in the IBS treatment setting:
1. Fewer side effects compared to tricyclic antidepressants.
2. Especially useful in patients exhibiting functional constipation since SSRIs increase bowel movement.
3. More effective than tricyclic antidepressants in treating visceral pain.
4. A & B
5. B & C
6. A & C
7. A, B & C
α₂ adrenergic agonists (e.g. clonidine) may be helpful in treating IBS.
1. True
2. False
In the IBS setting, clonidine:
1. Decreased distention-induced discomfort
2. Increase visceral compliance
3. Both
4. Neither

Medical Pharmacology: Gastrointestinal Pharmacology Practice Questions