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by darwin on May 15th, 2008
Constipation is a classic side effect of narcotic analgesics. This type of constipation can be either acute (typical of short term narcotic use) or chronic (common with long term use). The main cause is pretty straightforeward. Simply put, food and waste material are propelled through our intestines by wave-like muscle contractions called peristalsis. Imagine wrapping your hand around a tube of toothpaste then squeezing the tube starting from your pinky up to your index finger in a wave type motion, thats peristalsis. Narcotic analgesics slow down or stop peristalsis causing constipation. Often times any stool that does manage to make it is small hard and pebble-like. Other causes of constipation related to narcotic analgesics could include a lack of activity and changes in food/fluid intake. Symptoms of constipation can include bloating, nausea, cramps, abdominal pain, to name a few. As a nurse, I recommend you talk with your physician or at least speak with a pharmacist to discuss this problem. In the mean time, there are many options to treat chronic constipation. First drink lots & lots of fluids (decaf, non-alcoholic), that can't be stressed enough, poor fluid intake can be a leading cause of constipation. Try getting some extra exercise (walking, stretching, whatever you can handle). Over the counter fiber pills/powders(fiberlax, benefiber, sennakot), stool softners (docusate sodium) are good for longterm treatment but generally do no have a immediate effect. Miralax is a newer med that seems to work well for many of my patients. It can be taken daily or as needed. Your doctor or pharmacist should be consulted as treatment often depends on the type, strength, & frequency of the narcotic.
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You're reading Why does narcotic analgesics(oxycodone,physeptone,morphine sulphate)cause constipation............and is there a reliable way to stop this condition and still use long term narcotic pain relief.
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Comments
The whole toothpaste analogy was disgusting but very accurate good answer.
by Redrubicon1025 on August 12th, 2010