Medicines That Can Cause Constipation

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Topic Overview

Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause constipation. Examples include:

  • Antacids.
  • Antidepressants.
  • Some blood pressure medicines.
  • Cold medicines (antihistamines).
  • Calcium and iron supplements.
  • Opioid pain medicines.

If you think that the constipation is caused by a medicine:

  • For prescription medicines, call the doctor who prescribed it to see whether you or your child should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be needed.
  • For nonprescription medicines, stop using the medicine. Call your doctor if you feel that you or your child still needs to take the medicine.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine

Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Current as ofMarch 20, 2017