You have heartburn and an acid taste in your mouth. You know that you are having acid reflux. You bought an antacid liquid and started using it. After a few days, you got constipation. Wonder why?
The reason is, some medications can cause constipation. It is a common side effect of many over the counter as well as prescription medications. Here is a list of medications that can make you constipated.
- Aluminium containing antacids. These medications are used to treat acid reflux and stomach ulcers (example: Gaviscon, Mylanta).
- Calcium supplements such as calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, and calcium phosphate.
- Vitamin D supplements
- Iron supplements such as ferrous sulphate, ferrous fumerate and ferrous gluconate
- Blood pressure medications: Calcium channel blockers such as Nifedipine, Diltiazem
- Aspirin
- Antidepressant medications such as Amitriptyline, Zoloft, and Effexor
- Opioid painkillers. This class of drugs may cause severe constipation that may not respond to simple remedies. Examples: Codeine, Morphine sulphate, Oxycodone, Methadone, Tramadol, Fentanyl. These analgesics are usually given after surgery to relieve severe pain.
- Over the counter cough medicines. Some OTC cough medicines contain codeine or hydrocodone that can make you constipated.
- Cholesterol lowering agents, such as Cholestyramine, Statins (Simvastatin, Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as Ibuprofen. These pills are often given to patients with arthritis or back pain.
- Drugs used to treat abdominal pain, such as Hyoscine Butylbromide (Buscopan)
- Anti-motility tablets. These are used in the treatment of travellers diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Example: Loperamide (Imodium, Gastro-stop)
- Diuretics (water pills). This type of medications makes you pass more urine. They make you dehydrated, that is the main reason for constipation. Example: Furosemide (Lasix)
Bottom line:
Gastrointestinal symptoms are a common side effect reported by people taking medications for various reasons. Among those symptoms, constipation, bloating and nausea are very common. The above list is not complete. If you notice any changes in your bowel movements, talk to your health care provider. Alternatively, you can try a laxative or stool softer, that may help you.