Medicines that can cause constipation

Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause constipation. Examples include:

• Antacids with aluminum.
• Anticonvulsants.
• Antidepressants.
• Blood pressure medicines, especially clonidine or calcium channel blockers (for example, verapamil).
• Calcium supplements.
• Chemotherapy medicines.
• Cold medicines (antihistamines).
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
• Diuretics, such as Lasix and hydrochlorothiazide.
• Iron supplements.
• Levodopa.
• Lipid-lowering agents, such as cholestyramine.
• Medicines for Parkinson's disease.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Opiates, including pain medicines with codeine.
• Psychotropics.
• Radiation therapy.

If you think that your constipation is caused by a medicine:

• For prescription medicines, call the health professional who prescribed it to see whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be needed.
• For nonprescription medicines, stop taking the medicine. Call your health professional if you feel you need to still take the medicine.