Which medication is associated with a drying effect and may be given before surgery?

Which medication is associated with a drying effect and may be given before surgery?

• A. Docusate sodium
• B. Biscodyl
• C. Diphenoxylate/Atropine
• D. Ondansetron

Answer: (C)

Drugs that dry up secretions and slow gut movement can be useful before surgery to reduce intestinal contents and secretions. Diphenoxylate/atropine does just that: diphenoxylate slows intestinal motility and atropine provides an anticholinergic drying effect, reducing secretions. That combination gives a drying effect that fits the preoperative goal. The other options don’t produce this drying action: a stool softener and a stimulant laxative promote stool passage, and an antiemetic mainly prevents nausea rather than drying GI secretions or slowing motility.

Drugs that dry up secretions and slow gut movement can be useful before surgery to reduce intestinal contents and secretions. Diphenoxylate/atropine does just that: diphenoxylate slows intestinal motility and atropine provides an anticholinergic drying effect, reducing secretions. That combination gives a drying effect that fits the preoperative goal. The other options don’t produce this drying action: a stool softener and a stimulant laxative promote stool passage, and an antiemetic mainly prevents nausea rather than drying GI secretions or slowing motility.