CAN YOU IDENTIFY these drugs indicated to treat gastrointestinal (GI) disorders? To find out, match each drug name in Section II with its brand name in Section I.

Section I

_____ 1. Symproic (Purdue Pharma)

_____ 2. Trulance (Synergy Pharmaceuticals Inc.)

_____ 3. Zinplava (Merck)

Section II

a. bezlotoxumab. A human monoclonal antibody that binds to Clostridium difficile toxin B, this medication is indicated to reduce the recurrence of C. difficile infection (CDI) in adults age 18 or older currently receiving antibiotic therapy for CDI who are at high risk of recurrence. The one-time dose is administered as an I.V. infusion over 60 minutes. Use a low-protein binding 0.2 to 5 micron in-line or add-on filter during administration.

b. plecanatide. This medication is indicated to treat chronic idiopathic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in adults. A guanylate cyclase-C agonist, plecanatide helps accelerate intestinal transit time and improves stool consistency. Encourage patients to swallow the tablet whole if possible; however, tablets may be crushed and administered in applesauce or water for patients with feeding tubes or swallowing difficulties.

c. naldemedine. This peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist is taken orally to treat opioid-induced constipation in adults with chronic noncancer pain. Although this medication is not likely to cross the blood-brain barrier, patients receiving chronic opioid medications should be monitored for signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Naldemedine is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected GI obstruction and those who are at increased risk of recurrent obstruction.

References available upon request.

Answers: 1c, 2b, 3a