Constipation and Medication
Constipation can be caused by a variety of medications. Some are:
- Pain relievers (drugs containing morphine or codeine)
- Calcium pills and antacids that contain aluminum and calcium
- High blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers)
- Antiparkinson drugs
- Antispasmodics (medication that lowers the incidence of or prevents seizures or muscle spasms)
- Antidepressants (medication used to treat depression)
- Iron supplements
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Anticonvulsants (medication used to control epilepsy and other seizure (convulsions) disorders)
If you take medicine for another problem, be sure to ask your doctor whether it could cause constipation. If you are on medications that cause constipation, discuss with your doctor your options, such as a stool softener. Whenever a significant or prolonged change in bowel habits occurs, check with your doctor.
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