Special Health Conditions

About Medication Induced Constipation

How Do Medications Induce Constipation?

Some Medications Slow Down Digestive Activity

Constipation can be induced when autonomic processes in the
gastrointestinal tract are delayed in their normal rhythmic function.
This can result in slow stool transit which promotes constipation.

Some Medications Block Nerve Impulses

Constipation can be induced when muscle contractions, enzymes and mucus are
not stimulated into production or action by the brain. This can interfere with
stool formation, stool transit, and promote constipation.

Some Medications Relax Intestinal Muscles

Constipation is induced as peristalsis fails . Peristalsis is the rhythmic muscular
action that moves food, nutrients and waste along the gastrointestinal tract.
When colon muscles are not functioning normally, stools may be poorly formed.

Some Medications Lead to Dehydration

When dehydration occurs lubrication in the colon is reduced, the colon lining
deteriorates, and stool quality is poor. Stools move more slowly, becoming dried
out and hard. This constipation.

Some Medications Reduce Intestinal Flora

Intestinal flora help to further breakdown waste, help to generate lubrication,
cleanse the colon,  and help protect the colon against infection. When natural
populations of flora either die or get swept away in large quantities by stimulant
laxatives, constipation can result.

Some Medications Harden Stools

Some medications can bind liquids in stools. This makes stools hard and difficult
to pass. This is constipation.

Constipating Over the Counter Drugs Include:

Antacids that contain aluminum, antihistamines, diuretics,
pain relievers, cold medicines, laxatives (used long term)
and anemia medicines (iron supplements). There are others.

Constipating Prescription Medications Include:

Antidepressants, antispasmodic drugs, antiarkinsonian medication,
anticonvulsants for epilepsy, diuretics, tranquilizers, opioids (narcotics)
and other pain relievers, high blood pressure medications
(antihyperintensive calcium channel blockers), high cholesterol
medications, cholestyramine, and cardiovascular medications.
There are others