Common Medicines for GI Management 

1. Prokinetics / Motility Agents 

Purpose: Enhance GI motility, improve gastric emptying, treat nausea/vomiting. 


2. Laxatives 

Purpose: Relieve constipation by softening stool, increasing bulk, or stimulating bowel movements. 



3. Anti-diarrheal / Anti-stimulants 

Purpose: Slow intestinal motility, reduce diarrhoea, or bind toxins. 



4. Insulin / Hypoglycemic Agents (GI relevance) 

Purpose: Control blood glucose; relevant in gastroparesis, diabetic diarrhoea. 



5. Probiotics 

Purpose: Restore gut microbiota, improve bowel function, prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. 


 
Key Clinical Points 

Check contraindications before prescribing/administration (consult BNF (in UK))
Monitor for adverse effects (electrolytes, hypoglycaemia, movement disorders). 
Timing is important (insulin, prokinetics). 
Educate patients on hydration, probiotic schedule, and avoid overuse of stimulant agents. 
Exercise caution in elderly, children, and immunocompromised patients.