What Common Medications Cause Constipation?
Medically Reviewed by
- Modern Weng
Question
What common medications cause constipation? It seems that ibuprofen affects me.
Answer
Constipation is a fairly common affliction, affecting an estimated 24-50% of older adults.
The most common medications that may cause constipation are:
- Narcotic pain medications (e.g., Vicodin)
- Iron supplements
- Antacids that contain calcium (e.g., Maalox) or aluminum (e.g., Mylanta)
- Overuse of over-the-counter laxatives (e.g., Metamucil)
- Some anti-depressants (e.g., Zoloft)
- Calcium channel blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease (e.g., nifedipine)
- Some diuretic medications (e.g., chlorthalidone)
- Medications used to treat Parkinson's disease (e.g., Sinemet)
And, yes, constipation is listed as part of the side effect profile of ibuprofen.