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pharmaceutical agents associated with constipation
Etiology:
1) prescription drugs
a) opiates
b) anticholinergic agents
- tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline > nortriptyline)
- phenothiazines
- antihistamines
- antispasmodics
c) antihypertensive agents
- verapamil
- furosemide
- clonidine
d) ion exchange (bile) resins
e) sucralfate
f) sympathomimetics
g) amantadine
h) ganglionic blockers
i) vinca alkaloids
j) serotonin antagonists (5HT3-antagonists)
3) contrast agents:
- barium sulfate
4) non-prescription drugs
a) antacids
a) aluminum hydroxide
b) calcium carbonate (also calcium supplements)
- allegedly calcium citrate less constipating
b) iron supplements, ferrous sulfate
c) antidiarrheal agents
d) ibuprofen
e) chronic stimulant laxative use
- phenolphthalein (Ex Lax, Correctol)
- bisocodyl (Dulcolax)
- Senna (Senokot)
- Cascara
Related
opioid-induced constipation (OIC)
References
- Locke GR et al
AGA technical review on constipation.
American Gastroenterological Association.
Gastroenterology 19:1766, 2000
PMID: 11113099
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 15, 16, 17.
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2009, 2012, 2015