Pharmacotherapy Report: Gastroenteritis Treatment Analysis

This report presents a pharmacotherapy analysis of a patient experiencing symptoms related to gastroenteritis and Hepatitis C, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The patient's medical history, current medications (Synthroid, Nifedipine, Prednisone), and potential underlying conditions are examined. The report highlights the importance of considering the patient's immune status when prescribing medications. The diagnosis focuses on acute gastroenteritis, detailing the use of various treatments, including antidiarrheals (like bismuth subsalicylate and loperamide), antiemetics (metoclopramide), oral rehydration salts, probiotics (Flora Norm), and zinc supplements. The pharmacotherapy approach emphasizes rehydration, symptom management, and the restoration of intestinal health, supported by relevant literature and medical insights. The report underscores the significance of a comprehensive approach to patient care, considering both the disease's symptoms and the patient's overall health profile.

Running head:PHARMACOTHERAPY
PHARMACOTHERAPY
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author note

1
PHARMACOTHERAPY
A patient having Hepatitis C, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting symptoms came to the
clinic for a check-up. The symptoms were closely related to GI and Hepatobiliary disorder
and the patient is currently under the medication of Synthroid 100mcg, Nifedipine 30mg and
Prednisone 10mg daily. Based on medical history, it can be said that the person is possibly
having gastroenteritis infection. Prednisone, a synthetic corticoid, suppresses the activity of
the immune system which is necessary to keep in mind while providing drug therapy to this
patient. While going through the history, it was seen that the patient had Hepatitis C, which is
a liver infection-causing yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes. After a deep analysis, it
has been found that the patient is suffering from acute gastroenteritis for which inflammation
targets the digestive tract and not any other factors such as pregnancy and any other drugs
(Belliot et al., 2014). Nifedipine drug was given to lower the patient’s blood pressure. The
causing agent of this infection can be a parasite, virus or bacteria. The treatment is done
solely based on the patient's medical history, blood test, and physical examination.
A clinical diagnosis is possible. In this medical condition, the doctor will assess the
abdominal cramping, abdominal pain and loose stools. Localizing where gastrointestinal tract
disease exists is important to learn how to treat the patient. The signs are seen in the patient
that helps the physician determine the particular region of the affected gastrointestinal tract
(e.g., diarrhea typically means that the patient has an intestinal illness). When the infected
region of the gastrointestinal tract is identified, tests may be performed (e.g., endoscopy) to
observe the disease-related anatomy and samples (e.g., stools, blood) collected to assess the
cause of the disease.
Antidiarrheal
The antidiarrheal drugs act actively in the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate
diarrhea. This works on dehydration that occurs with diarrhea and helps to overcome the
dehydrated condition. For symptomatic relief and rehydration, bismuth subsalicylate, along

2
PHARMACOTHERAPY
with loperamide(Imodium), plays a vital role as an adjunct. The drug alters the intestinal
motility and thus giving time to reabsorb water in the intestines, thereby reducing stool
frequency and volume.
Antiemetics
Nausea and vomiting increase electrolyte, and the likelihood of dehydration thus can be
treated by the intervention of antiemetics to reduce the distressing symptom. A dopamine
receptor antagonist, metoclopramide, allows decreasing the impulse associated with the
chemoreceptor trigger region, thereby reducing the gastric sphincter tone and increasing the
transmit time of the intestine.
Oral Rehydration Salts
Sodium chloride, potassium chloride, trisodium citrate dehydrate, and sucrose is the
ingredients of ORS, which are taken orally depending on the intensity of diarrhea.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live non-pathogenic yeast that alters the composition of gut flora along with
that shows inhibiting action of the pathogenic microorganism. Flora Norm (Saccharomyces
boulardii) is one such agent that maintains a healthy balance of intestinal flora through the
secretion of lactic acid, cetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide that increase that level of acid. It is
available in the form of a powder that needs to be administered orally or by mixing it in water
(Szajewska et al., 2014).
Zinc Supplements
Zinc deficiency is highly predominant in patients with gastroenteritis for which complications
associated with diarrhea increases. Zinc sulfate, zinc acetate, and zinc gluconate are the
recommended micronutrients.
Drug therapy has been provided with clear benefits and can improve the symptoms
and enhance the condition of the patient. The main aim of this condition is to keep the system

3
PHARMACOTHERAPY
of the patient rehydrated. So, oral rehydration therapy is provided by drinking plenty of fluids
and prevent dehydration. The concept of providing antidiarrheal agents is to decrease bowel
movement frequency by enhancing intestinal water and ion absorption. The beneficial
bacteria present in probiotics is highly recommended for the patients to prevent inflammatory
digestive tract condition.. The recommendation of zinc supplements is appropriate as it can
boost up the patient’s immune system.

4
PHARMACOTHERAPY
Works cited
Belliot, G., Lopman, B. A., Ambert-Balay, K., & Pothier, P. (2014). The burden of norovirus
gastroenteritis: an important foodborne and healthcare-related infection. Clinical
microbiology and infection, 20(8), 724-730.
Szajewska, H., Guarino, A., Hojsak, I., Indrio, F., Kolacek, S., Shamir, R., ... & Weizman, Z.
(2014). Use of probiotics for management of acute gastroenteritis: a position paper by
the ESPGHAN Working Group for Probiotics and Prebiotics. Journal of pediatric
gastroenterology and nutrition, 58(4), 531-539.