If you had a change in bowel movements when you began a new medicine or increased the dose of a medicine you were already taking, it could be because of your medicine.
Symptoms of constipation include:. Medicines can cause constipation in different ways, such as by affecting the muscles in your gut, affecting your nervous system, which in turn affects your gut muscles, or by causing dehydration. The following are examples of medicines that can cause constipation, especially if taken in higher doses. Over-the-counter products such as antacids , antihistamines and paracetamol can cause constipation. Complementary and alternative medicines may also cause constipation.
Combinations of any of the above medicines can increase your risk of constipation. Using too many laxatives and enemas can cause 'rebound' constipation. If you use laxatives too often, your body may rely on them to pass poos. Heavy use of laxatives can also cause runny poos. For the same reason, if you use enemas too often, your body may begin to depend on them.
Too many enemas may stop you from having normal bowel movements. Read more about laxatives. You are at increased risk of being constipated if you take any of the medicines listed above. You may be at greater risk of being constipated if you also have a low-fibre diet, aren't getting enough regular exercise or have an illness that affect your nervous system, such as Parkinson's disease, stroke or dementia.
Some medical conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism low thyroid can increase your risk of constipation. Constipation is more common in older people mainly because they are often taking lots of medicines, are more likely to be dehydrated, have less exercise and may not have enough fibre in their diet. Digital stimulation may help. Use this method every day until you establish a routine. In addition to lifestyle changes, there are over-the-counter laxatives and prescription drugs to relieve constipation.
Always read the medication guide before using any of the following products. While there are medications that cause constipation, others can cause other digestive problems, like stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact your doctor if you develop diarrhea, as it can be a sign of fecal impaction. Fiber-based laxatives , also called bulk formers, increase water in your stools to make them softer. Common fiber-based laxatives include:. Stool softeners , also called emollient laxatives, add moisture to your stools to make it easier to pass them.
Commonly used stool softeners include:. Stimulant laxatives work by stimulating nerves in your digestive tract, triggering the muscles in your large intestine to contract, pushing your stool through. Commonly used stimulant laxatives include:. Osmotic laxatives pull water from surrounding tissue into your digestive tract to make it easier for the stool to pass through the intestine. Commonly used osmotic laxatives include:. For many people, making lifestyle changes and using over-the-counter laxatives will help relieve constipation.
For instance, one patient may be used to having one—or more—bowel movements a day whereas another patient could be used to one bowel movement every few days. Doctors typically define constipation as three or fewer bowel movements per week. In the case of constipation or chronic constipation, healthcare providers may prescribe one of the following prescription drugs:. Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug. By SingleCare Team Feb.
Top Reads in Health Education. Diabetes and exercise Nov. What is insulin resistance? Do coffee and diabetes mix? Diabetes in women Nov. Looking for a prescription? Search now! Type your drug name. Patients should be encouraged to keep an open line of communication with their prescriber about the medications they take, making them aware of constipation so that laxative treatment or possibly changing the offending medication can be discussed.
If OTC medications do not help constipation, a prescription drug may be another option. Prescription drugs for constipation include the following. With our knowledge and expertise, pharmacists can play an important role in identifying drug-related causes of constipation, counseling the patient, and referring to the physician if necessary. Karen Berger, PharmD, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, and her experience includes chain and independent pharmacy as well as medical writing and reviewing.
Opioid-Induced Constipation. Updated November 20, Accessed April 28, What to do when medication makes you constipated. Harvard Health Publishing. Updated October 22, Which medications can cause constipation? Updated March 30, High-fiber foods. Metamucil website. Label: Linzess- linaclotide, capsule, gelatin coated. Updated April 12,
0コメント