Medicines That Can Cause Constipation

Topic Overview

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

• Antacids.
• Antidepressants.
• Some blood pressure medicines.
• Cold medicines (antihistamines).
• Calcium and iron supplements.
• Opioid pain medicines.

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

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