Treating pain with opioid painkillers is very effective, however one of the most common side-effects of these drugs is constipation. In the first instance treatment options include a change in diet, increasing fluid intake and, when appropriate, increasing physical activity. Other medicines are also known to cause constipation and your healthcare professional may review other medications you are taking.
Despite these measures constipation may persist therefore other medicines are often prescribed during treatment with opioid painkillers to help relieve the constipation.
Laxatives are commonly prescribed at the same time as opioid painkillers.
Because they work in different ways , more than one laxative may be used at the same time. Your healthcare professional will prescribe the best treatment for you.
The main types used to treat OIC are:
- Faecal softeners lubricate faeces in the bowel making them easier to pass
- Osmotic laxatives increase the amount of water in the gut to soften the contents leading to an easier movement
- Stimulant laxatives encourage the muscles in the gut to push the contents along which can lead to a movement
Constipation is usually helped by the above treatments, however sometimes a suppository or enema is needed.
Other medicines block the effects of opioids on the bowel to reverse opioid-induced constipation.
Your healthcare professional will advise on the most suitable treatment for you.