Medicines that can cause rectal problems
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Medicines that can cause rectal problems
Rectal problems are often caused by constipation or diarrhea. Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause these conditions.
Medicines that can cause either constipation or diarrhea include:
- Antibiotics, such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, clindamycin, tetracycline, and cephalosporins.
- Antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium.
- Antidepressants and tranquilizers.
- Blood pressure medicines, especially clonidine or calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil.
- Calcium supplements.
- Medicines used to treat cancer (chemotherapy).
- Cold medicines (antihistamines).
- Diuretics, such as Lasix and hydrochlorothiazide.
- Iron supplements or multivitamins that contain iron.
- Laxatives, such as Correctol, Dulcolax, Ex-Lax, or Feen-a-Mint.
- Lipid-lowering agents, such as cholestyramine.
- Medicines for Parkinson's disease.
- Pain medicines, especially narcotics.
If you think that your rectal problem may be caused by a medicine:
- Call the health professional who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary.
- If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking the medicine. Call your health professional if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 22, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 22, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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