Yes, it’s true: your medications can be the cause of your constipation
You’ve been feeling constipated and can’t seem to find an obvious reason for the blockage. Look over your medication list, and you may find the source. Constipation has many causes, but medications are among the most common. Medications can affect the central nervous system and muscle function in the bowel, while others affect water absorption in your stools. In fact, constipation is a leading side effect of both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
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10 min read
Why is my medication causing my constipation ?
It can be frustrating when you feel the urge to get relief but can't seem to go. If you’ve reviewed your diet, lifestyle, stress levels, and you still can’t seem to find the root cause of your constipation, consider whether medication side effects are causing your symptoms. It’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you think your constipation may be related to medication. Don’t stop taking your medication without first seeking the advice of a healthcare professional.
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Antidepressants
A lot of antidepressants that treat the nerve endings in the brain also affect nerve endings in the gut. That can lead to significant side effects, which can include constipation.
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Opioids
The narcotic effect of strong pain medication, such as opioids, can cause the nerves in the gut to slow down tremendously, inhibiting bowel movement which leads to constipation.
Calcium-channel blockers
You may recognize this medication type if you suffer from high blood pressure. Their objective is to relax the muscles in blood vessels to lower blood pressure – but, one of their side effects is that they can also relax the muscles in the gut and may cause constipation
Anticholinergics (for urinary incontinence)
These medications block the effects of acetylcholine, a chemical that helps the muscles move. By blocking the action of that chemical, less movement in the muscles also includes the muscle that are in the gut – which can lead to constipation.
What medication can cause constipation ?
Here are the most common culprits:
Pain relief medicines
Strong pain medicines, such as opioids, narcotics containing codeine, oxycodone(Oxycontin®) and hydromorphone (Dilaudid®) are known to cause constipation as a side effect. Common OTC pain relief medicines, however, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil®, Aleve®) are also well known triggers.
Anemia treatments
Iron supplements are also known to cause constipation.
Epilepsy medications
Anticonvulsant/seizure medications, such as phenytoin and gabapentin are known to cause constipation
Antidepressants
Antidepressants, including the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (like fluoxetine [Prozac®]) or tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline [Elavil®]) can cause constipation as a side-effect.
Antipsychotics
These drugs, taken for disorders such as schizophrenia, can reduce bowel motility which in turn can cause constipation.
Indigestion remedies
Remedies for heartburn and indigestion often contain calcium or aluminum which can lead to constipation.
High blood pressure medication
Many types of blood pressure medication, including calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers can affect your digestive system by slowing it down which can lead to constipation.
Allergy Medications
Allergy medications, such as antihistamines can cause constipation.
Tips and tricks to get relief
You may be on a specific medication that is causing your constipation – and if that is the case, it doesn’t make you helpless. With the help of your doctor, you can act on it and work together to prevent future bouts of constipation.
Dulcolax® family of products
Occasional constipation is a common condition with a wide range of possible causes. We know how unpredictable and frustrating constipation can be, so we are here to help identify the possible causes and teach you how to address them.
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Dulcolax® Soft Chews Kids
Dulcolax® Soft Chews Kids help kids* to get fast and gentle constipation relief, so they can get back doing the things they love. This great-tasting chew works in as little as 30 minutes*, so parents can help their child with occasional constipation episodes. This laxative works by increasing water in the bowels to soften stools so kids can go comfortably.
*suitable for kids 4 to under 11
** relief in 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Dulcolax® Soft Chews
Dulcolax® Soft Chews provides gentle and fast relief of occasional constipation by increasing water in the bowels to soften stools for easy evacuation. When you need gentle and fast relief in as little as 30 minutes*, reach for Dulcolax®Soft Chews.
* relief in 30 minutes to 6 hours
Dulcolax® Suppositories
Dulcolax® Suppositories are suitable for dependable, fast, and effective relief of occasional constipation. Dulcolax®Suppositories stimulate the bowel muscles while also accumulating water in the intestines. The effect is to soften the stool to make it pass through quickly.
Dulcolax® Tablets
Dulcolax® Tablets are suitable for dependable and effective overnight relief of occasional constipation.
Dulcolax® for Women
Dulcolax® for Women are suitable for dependable and gentle overnight relief of occasional constipation.
-
Dulcolax® Soft Chews Kids
Dulcolax® Soft Chews Kids help kids* to get fast and gentle constipation relief, so they can get back doing the things they love. This great-tasting chew works in as little as 30 minutes*, so parents can help their child with occasional constipation episodes. This laxative works by increasing water in the bowels to soften stools so kids can go comfortably.
*suitable for kids 4 to under 11
** relief in 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Dulcolax® Soft Chews
Dulcolax® Soft Chews provides gentle and fast relief of occasional constipation by increasing water in the bowels to soften stools for easy evacuation. When you need gentle and fast relief in as little as 30 minutes*, reach for Dulcolax®Soft Chews.
* relief in 30 minutes to 6 hours
Dulcolax® Suppositories
Dulcolax® Suppositories are suitable for dependable, fast, and effective relief of occasional constipation. Dulcolax®Suppositories stimulate the bowel muscles while also accumulating water in the intestines. The effect is to soften the stool to make it pass through quickly.
-
Dulcolax® Tablets
Dulcolax® Tablets are suitable for dependable and effective overnight relief of occasional constipation.
Dulcolax® for Women
Dulcolax® for Women are suitable for dependable and gentle overnight relief of occasional constipation.
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Stay informed
Occasional constipation is a common condition with a wide range of possible causes. We know how unpredictable and frustrating constipation can be, so we are here to help identify the possible causes and teach you how to address them.
What are daily habits that can cause occasional constipation ?
Everything is connected and we mean this literally: our body, mind and habits can greatly affect our digestive health. Your daily habits, from the foods you eat to your daily activity level and sleep schedule can affect your bowel movements and the result may be that you get constipated. Fear not, making simple changes to your lifestyle habits can be a helpful first step in preventing occasional constipation.
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How to avoid occasional constipation while traveling ?
It is common for constipation to occur when your life or daily routine changes. Traveling can sometimes trigger changes to your digestive system and as a result your bowel movements. Adapting to new circadian rhythms, new foods and new environments can trigger occasional constipation. Jet lag can also disrupt travelers for several days.
How is constipation related to stress ?
Healthy mind, healthy body – isn’t that what they say ? The brain-gut connection is real: our digestive system is highly impacted by our mind and our stress levels. Whether you’re experiencing stress at work, at home, or in your daily life, it can all impact your bowel movements and lead to occasional constipation.
How can getting older cause constipation ?
About one-third of adults 60 years or older report suffering from constipation. Unfortunately, with age sometimes comes slower digestion. The bowel muscles in the digestive tract need a bit more time to move food and stool through the intestines. The resulting constipation is a commonly reported bowel symptom in the elderly and has a considerable impact on quality of life. It is important to understand how age can change your body and how to adapt to help yourself feel better.
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Occasional constipation during pregnancy
During pregnancy, there is a lot going on, to say the least. The new hormone levels can trigger many changes in the body. Pregnant women frequently suffer from difficult and infrequent bowel movements, hard and dry stools, and discomfort.
- Cleveland Clinic. Constipation: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention. July 11th, 2019. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4059-constipation
- Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. Understanding the Prevalence and Impact of Constipation in Canada A Special Report from the CDHF. February 2014
- Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. What to do when medication makes you constipated. October 22nd, 2019. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what-to-do-when-medication-makes-you-constipated