The following features are indicative of Drug induced constipation:
faecal impaction
absence of bowel movement for several days
bowel movements that are hard, dry and difficult to pass
pain while having a bowel movement
abdominal pain
blood on the surface of hard stool
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Common Causes of Drug induced constipation
The following are the most common causes of Drug induced constipation:
intake of certain drugs like opioids, antibiotics
Risk Factors for Drug induced constipation
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Drug induced constipation:
intake of certain drugs like opioids, antibiotics
Prevention of Drug induced constipation
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Drug induced constipation. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
adequate fluid intake
create a toilet routine
high-fiber diet
regular physical activity
avoid intake of drugs
Occurrence of Drug induced constipation
Common Age Group
Drug induced constipation can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Drug induced constipation can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Drug induced constipation
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Drug induced constipation:
Abdominal X-ray: To identify blockages in the abdomen
Rectal biopsy: To check rectum activity
Blood test: To measure the thyroid hormone level
MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) defecography: To diagnose problems that can cause constipation, such as rectocele or rectal prolapse
Complications of Drug induced constipation if untreated
Yes, Drug induced constipation causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Drug induced constipation is left untreated:
painful breaks in the skin around the anus
rectal prolapse
stool withholding
bowel obstruction
hemorrhoids
anal fissure
fecal impaction
Self-care for Drug induced constipation
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Drug induced constipation:
Increase fiber intake: Increases the weight of stool and speeds its passage through intestines
Intake adequate fluids: Help soften the stool
Take adequate time for bowel movements: Sit on the toilet for five to 10 minutes within 30 minutes after each meal
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Drug induced constipation
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Drug induced constipation:
Acupuncture: May be helpful in treating constipation
Maintenance therapy: Regular polyethylene glycol (PEG) may help in preventing the recurrence of the condition
Last updated date
This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Drug induced constipation.
