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Pruritus

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Pocket Handbook of GI Pharmacotherapeutics

Part of the book series: Clinical Gastroenterology ((CG))

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Abstract

Pruritus is a common problem with an extensive list of etiologies. The treatment is best tailored to the cause. For generalized pruritus, antihistamines, including diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine, are safe, widely available, and inexpensive. Cholestyramine may be helpful when bile salt levels are the cause, but it can also cause significant gastrointestinal distress. Rifampin, naltrexone, and sertraline have been reported to provide some relief. This chapter aims to provide a detailed summary of each of these agents.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME, 04005, USA

    Marianna Mavilia

  2. Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030-1845, USA

    George Y. Wu

Authors
  1. Marianna Mavilia
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  2. George Y. Wu
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Correspondence to Marianna Mavilia .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA

    George Y. Wu

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© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Mavilia, M., Wu, G.Y. (2016). Pruritus. In: Wu, G. (eds) Pocket Handbook of GI Pharmacotherapeutics. Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33317-5_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33317-5_13

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-33315-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-33317-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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