Colostomy Question, what happens to the meds?

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  1. This is a discussion on Colostomy Question, what happens to the meds? in Wound / Ostomy / Continence Nursing, part of Nursing Specialties ... I've never thought about this before but since having a HH patient with a new colostomy I'm...

    by Jan 30, '06
    I've never thought about this before but since having a HH patient with a new colostomy I'm wondering. If alot of meds are absorbed by the large intestine what happens when they can't get there? She says her pain pills don't work well and the IV meds in the hospital did work well. I do know that colostomy patients are not supposed to take any time-realeased drugs for this reason. Any thoughts?
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    by DutchgirlRN Jan 30, '06 10:25 pm
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  3. 2 Comments so far...

  4. Feb 23, '06 by
    The way my doctor explained it to me is when a person does not have a large intestine, the small intestine adapts to absorb what the large intestine normally would. Absorption is decreased, though. I had the same concerns because of medications and the possibility of vitamin deficiencies.
    I had an ostomy for a year, due to UC, I'm now an RN, and I am working on my BSN so I can become a CWOCN.
    Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: www.ccfa.org is a great website for more information.
  5. Feb 23, '06 by
    Some oral drugs are absorbed from the stomach (portal circulation to liver), but the major site of entry into the systemic circulation is the duodenum (small intestines).

    I'm not aware of medications being absorbed by the large intestines. Am I incorrect?
    Last edit by lady_jezebel on Feb 23, '06