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Check nowThere are many different factors that can cause constipation, but one of the main triggers can sometimes be the medicines that we are taking, from over the counter painkillers to prescribed antidepressants. It is important to recognise which medications can induce constipation and to speak to your doctor about altering your prescription. Here, our digestive expert Ali Cullen acknowledges and discusses the medicines that can influence our digestive systems.
Listed below, you will find some examples of medicines, either prescribed by your doctor or available for purchase from your pharmacy, which may bring about or contribute to constipation. The list is intended only as a guide and is not exhaustive.
If you are not sure if the medicine you are taking causes constipation, read the patient information leaflet accompanying your medicine. Do not stop using prescribed medication without first speaking to your doctor.
Codeine containing medications such as Co-Codamol, Paracodol, Solpadeine Max, Syndol. Other prescribed pain-killing medicines including tramadol, oxycodone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, morphine.
Linctus containing codeine or pholcodeine.
Aluminium containing antacids.
All calcium salts eg. calcium carbonate.
Amitriptyline.
Phenytoin, carbamazepine.
Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil, nifedipine, amiodipine and diltiazem.
All diuretics may cause constipation as increased water elimination means less water available for stool formation.
Ferrous sulphate, ferrous gluconate.
Hyoscine, dicycloverine.
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