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Ask An Expert

What Common Medications Cause Constipation?

Modern Weng

Modern Weng, DO

Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Question:

What common medications cause constipation? It seems that ibuprofen affects me.

Answer:

Constipation is a fairly common affliction, affecting an estimated 24-50 percent 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.

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