Medicines that can cause constipation in children

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Many medicines can cause constipation. Medicines that are most likely to cause constipation include:

Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), found in over-the-counter cold medicines.
Antidiarrheal medicines, such as Lomotil.
Antispasmodics, such as atropine and scopolamine.
Narcotics, such as codeine and hydrocodone.
Chemotherapy, such as vincristine and vinblastine.
Anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine and valproic acid.
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or doxepin.

If constipation occurs following the start of a medicine:

For prescription medicine, before your child's next dose (the same day), call the health professional who prescribed it to determine whether your child should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary.
For nonprescription medicine, stop giving your child the medicine. If you feel your child needs to continue taking the medicine, call your health professional.

Credits

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Last Updated	November 3, 2008

Last updated:	November 03, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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