An introduction to medicines and constipation
Listed below, you will find some examples of medicines, either prescribed by your doctor or available for purchase from your pharmacy, which may bring about or contribute to constipation. The list is intended only as a guide and is not exhaustive.
If you are not sure if the medicine you are taking causes constipation, read the patient information leaflet accompanying your medicine. Do not stop using prescribed medication without first speaking to your doctor.
Some types of pain-killers
Codeine containing medications such as Co-Codamol, Paracodol, Solpadeine Max, Syndol. Other prescribed pain-killing medicines including tramadol, oxycodone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, morphine.
Some cough medicines
Linctus containing codeine or pholcodeine.
Antacids
Aluminium containing antacids.
Calcium supplements
All calcium salts eg. calcium carbonate.
Some anti-deprssants
Amitriptyline.
Some anti-epileptics
Phenytoin, carbamazepine.
Some blood pressure or heart medicines
Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil, nifedipine, amiodipine and diltiazem.
Diuretics
All diuretics may cause constipation as increased water elimination means less water available for stool formation.
Iron supplements
Ferrous sulphate, ferrous gluconate.
Antispasmodics
Hyoscine, dicycloverine.
