Why does pain medication cause constipation

Many people experience constipation after surgery. With gentle treatment methods, the symptoms should resolve within a few days. Learn more here. Olive oil has long been used as a simple treatment for constipation. Learn more about this home remedy that gets stools moving again, and how to use…. Constipation occurs when people cannot pass stool as freely as they would like to, and it may cause symptoms including bloating and discomfort.

Eating foods such as yogurt, pulses, wheat bran, and…. What causes opioid-induced constipation OIC? Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. How do opioids cause constipation? Other digestive problems Other causes Takeaway Opioid use can lead to constipation. Share on Pinterest Opioid pain relief can cause constipation and other digestive problems as they reduce nervous system activity.

Other digestive problems. Other causes of constipation. During follow-up phone calls at home, patients can speak with the nurse and bring up any additional concerns or questions. Bloating in the belly after surgery is quite common and could be a result of trapped gas or excess fluids. The fluids will leave your body naturally within a few days, and trapped gas may resolve as you have a bowel movement. Speak with your doctor if you experience side effects. It may help to modify your dosage or switch to a different medication.

Fiber has a laxative effect because it increases water absorption in the colon. This forms bulkier stools and helps stools pass easier. Bulk-forming fiber supplements include psyllium Metamucil and methylcellulose Citrucel. Although fiber supplements are an effective remedy for constipation, more studies and research are needed to confirm the efficacy of fiber supplements for OIC.

You should eat between 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day. Take one to three tablespoons daily of Citrucel or use Metamucil up to three times a day. Be sure to follow the directions on the Citrucel or Metamucil product you use.

Fiber supplements can decrease the absorption of some medications such as aspirin. Talk with your doctor before combining a fiber supplement with any prescription medications. Aloe vera may also relieve OIC. In one study , rats were given an oral administration of loperamide to induce constipation.

They were then treated with aloe vera in the following doses for seven days: 50, , and milligram mg for each kilogram of body weight. The study found that the rats receiving the extract had improved intestinal motility and fecal volume. Based on the study, the laxative effect of aloe vera may improve drug-induced constipation. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking aloe vera.

The herb may decrease the effectiveness of certain medications, such as:. Senna is a yellow flowering plant. Its leaves have a laxative effect that can help naturally relieve OIC. A small study found that senna improved post-surgery OIC when taken daily for six days. You can buy dry senna leaves from a health foods store and brew them in hot water.

However, treatment is often available through natural means or in the form of over-the-counter or prescription medication. Read on to learn more about the link between opioids and constipation.

Opioids are a medication that are useful for treating severe pain, especially during the later stages of cancer. Opioids bind to specific proteins in the body called opioid receptors. These are present in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. However, opioids also depress, or slow down, the central nervous system.

As constipation is a common side effect of opioid use, a doctor may prescribe medication to prevent it when they prescribe the opioid. This can prevent the problem from developing. Senna, for example, is available in teas, remedies, and pharmaceutical preparations.

However, doctors usually only recommend taking senna for occasional constipation. Also, aloe vera is a traditional ingredient in constipation remedies. However, these are no longer sold over the counter in the United States, because their safety and effectiveness are uncertain. Speak to a doctor before taking an herbal remedy, because some remedies can interfere with medications.

Doctors often prescribe opioid medications for people with cancer, especially when the disease is in later stages.