Medicines that can cause constipation

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

Antacids with aluminum.
Anticonvulsants.
Antidepressants.
Blood pressure medicines, especially clonidine or calcium channel blockers (for example, verapamil).
Calcium supplements.
Chemotherapy medicines.
Cold medicines (antihistamines).
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
Diuretics, such as Lasix and hydrochlorothiazide.
Iron supplements.
Levodopa.
Lipid-lowering agents, such as cholestyramine.
Medicines for Parkinson's disease.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Opiates, including pain medicines with codeine.
Psychotropics.
Radiation therapy.

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

For prescription medicines, call the health professional who prescribed it to see whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be needed.
For nonprescription medicines, stop taking the medicine. Call your health professional if you feel you need to still take the medicine.

Credits

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine
Last Updated	October 10, 2008

Last updated:	October 10, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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