The use of medication is a risk factor for constipation. A number of therapeutic categories of medications contribute to constipation. All medications can directly or indirectly affect normal bowel function in a variety of ways that include:
- Slowing down peristaltic contractions
- Decreasing neurological stimulation of the bowel
- Decreasing gastric motility
- Decreasing absorption rates
- Limiting general personal mobility
The following is a list of categories of medications that may contribute to constipation:
- Analgesics
- Continuous opioid therapy
- Non-opioid therapy: NSAIDS
- Antacids containing aluminum or calcium
- Drugs with Anticholinergic activity, such as:
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidepressants
- Antiepileptics
- Antihistamines
- Antihypertensives (calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, Beta blockers)
- AntiParkinson agents
- Antipsychotics
- Antispasmodics
- Anxiolytics
- Bisphosphonates
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., Acetazolamide)
- Calcium supplements
- Cytotoxic chemotherapy
- Vinca alkaloid chemotherapy
- Other cytotoxic agents
- Diuretics
- Histamine-2 blockers
- Hypnotics
- Iron supplements
- Laxatives (usually attributed to long term use of stimulant laxatives)
- Lipid-lowering drugs
- Muscle relaxants (e.g., Baclofen)
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Sedatives
Older Adults
Prevention of Constipation in the Older Adult Population
Point of Care Resources