Gastrointestinal cramp

Methaqualone is being widely abused by youths in this country. Recently, in the northeast, some abusers were stricken with severe side effects, including bloody urine and gastrointestinal cramps. The tablets were found to be of clandestine manufacture.They contained fairly large amounts of impurities from a poor synthesis. The impurities were o-toluidine, o-aminobenzoic acid, and o-methyl acetanilide—again proving the old proverb Let the buyer beware. ... 

Reserpine rather often produces mild diarrhea and gastrointestinal cramps and increases gastric acid secretion. The drug should not be given to patients with a history of peptic ulcer. 

Stimulation of serotonin 3 receptors in the hypothalamus or brainstem may cause nausea or vomiting, respectively (Fig. 5—58). Stimulation of serotonin 3 and 4 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract may cause increased bowel motility, gastrointestinal cramps and diarrhea (Fig. 5—59). 

As indicated earlier, COX-2 selective drugs may reduce the risk of toxicity to the stomach, kidneys, and other tissues because these drugs spare the production of normal or protective prostaglandins in these tissues.3 These drugs may cause other problems such as diarrhea, heartburn, gastrointestinal cramps, and an increased risk of upper respiratory tract infection. As indicated in Chapter 15, COX-2 drugs have also been associated with serious cardiovascular problems (heart attack, stroke), and these drugs should be avoided in people at risk for cardiac disease. 

The acute effects of aldicarb exposure are due to cholinergic overstimulation and may include the SLUDGE syndrome (salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhea, gastrointestinal cramping, and emesis), respiratory depression, bronchospasms, increased bronchial secretions, pulmonary edema, blurred vision, miosis, headache, tremors, muscle fasciculations, convulsions, mental confusion, coma, and death due to respiratory failure. Recovery from nonlethal exposures occurs very rapidly, usually within a few hours. 

Overdose of celandine may cause abdominal pain, gastrointestinal cramps, urinary urgency, and hematuria (ESCOP 2003). 

Gastrointestinal cramping may occur during Chinese rhubarb use (Wichtl 2004). Metabolites of Chinese rhubarb may cause the urine to have a red-brown or bright yellow coloration (Wichtl 2004). Side effects of nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite have been reported (Bensky et al. 2004). 

Side effects of cilostazol have been reported in about 25 to 30% of patients including gastrointestinal cramping, loose bowel movements or diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and palpitations (22). The side effects reported are transient and some appeared to be dose dependent (21). The most common side effect is headache, which is mild and responds well to over-the-counter analgesics. The rate of withdrawal among patients who use cilostazol was similar to those receiving placebo or pentoxifylline (24) (Fig. 1). 

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