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Medications with Ostomy Patients
Absorption. Changes in intestinal motility and gastric emptying alter drug delivery. Patients with ileostomies are at the highest risk of suboptimal drug absorption. For these patients liquids, gelatin capsules, chewable tablets, and uncoated tablets should be used because they are tolerated and wellabsorbed. Crushing tablets improves dissolution and absorption. Modified dosage forms, i.e. enteric coated products should be avoided for risk of ineffective therapy due to poor absorption. Never crush enteric coated products. Other modified formulas such as wax matrix tablets will pass into the stool as a "ghost" tablet and are noticeable, especially to the ostomy patient.
Narcotic analgesics can slow intestinal peristalsis and disrupt the normal elimination pattern. These medications can be useful in altering...