Constipation Caused By Opioids

Opioid use and constipation are related and are a common problem among those forced to use these medications. According to available data, between 41% and 81% of patients who use opioids suffer from this intestinal problem.

Opioid analgesics are very effective in treating people suffering from severe pain. So much so that the consumption of this type of medicine has increased 83.59% in the last 10 years. Of course, cases of opioid-induced constipation have also increased.

On many occasions, this problem is not given much importance and the fact that it is a condition that significantly deteriorates a person’s quality of life is ignored . You need opioids to control your pain, but at the same time, constipation starts to act as a major limitation.

What is constipation?

Constipation is referred to when a person has difficulty evacuating or their bowel movements are infrequent. Generally speaking, it is considered constipation when there are no more than three bowel movements per week.

However, when constipation becomes chronic, it is often accompanied by various irritating symptoms. Some of them are dry, hard stools with a feeling of incomplete evacuation, pain at the time of defecation and, often, great production of gas.

There are many factors that can cause constipation, including medications. Opioids and constipation are related, but it can also be caused by other medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, antiepileptics, antipsychotics and diuretics, among others.

Opioids and constipation

There are many medications with side effects, but the most common is that these decrease markedly over time. However, in the case of opioids and constipation this does not occur. Doctors believe that the intestine is not used to this type of medication.

The degree of constipation depends on the type of opioid ingested, the amount and time that this type of medication is used. The greater the quantities and the time of use, the greater the chances of causing chronic constipation.

The effects of opioids and constipation are different from common or functional constipation. This condition is also known by the acronym ICO and, in principle, is a temporary problem that should go away when you stop taking the medication that causes it.

The effect of opioids

These drugs exert their effect mainly on the central nervous system, but they also develop a peripheral action on other organs. Among them, about the gastrointestinal tract. They generate some modifications that prevent, among other things, the normal functioning of the intestine.

Generally, opioids interfere with bowel function in two ways. First, they cause a condition called “intestinal paralysis”. To understand what it is, let’s think about the pressure movement that is made in the toothpaste tube, so that it comes out.

Something similar happens in the intestine at the time of bowel movements. The movement that occurs is involuntary and is called peristalsis. Opioids can reduce or block this movement, so the result is constipation.

Another of the effects that opioids can cause is the production of extremely dry and hard stools. Under normal conditions, the bowel wall absorbs a percentage of water from the stool as it passes through it. However, when opioids are ingested, this absorption can be excessive, resulting in hard stools and constipation.

Other data of interest

It is very important that, along with the intake of opioids, a very healthy diet is maintained, which includes plenty of fluids and fiber, as well as succulent and nutritious foods. As always, it is also highly recommended to include regular exercise in your daily routine so that you can reduce the risk of severe constipation.

On the other hand, in many cases it will be necessary to take medication to soften the stool or help the bowel to perform its normal function. Laxatives are generally recommended and, if they do not work, more specialized medications.

And, as we always recommend, the important thing is to consult the doctor, because only he will be able to indicate and prescribe the most appropriate treatment for each case.