How to Prevent Opioid Induced Constipation

Millions of individuals rely on opioid analgesics on a daily basis to help manage chronic pain. Unfortunately, opioid analgesics frequently induce side effects including severe constipation. The constipation can be so disabling that some individuals who benefit from the pain relief are forced to discontinue their opioid analgesics. Opioid induced constipation can be dramatically reduced by combining appropriate lifestyle changes with a comprehensive bowel program utilizing OTC laxatives and stool softeners.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay well hydrated. Fruit juices such as prune, apple or orange can help naturally stimulate the bowels to move and prevent opioid induced constipation.

Engage in daily exercise to increase your intestinal motility which in turn helps to prevent constipation.

Try to defecate on a regular basis at the same time every day; preferably in your own bathroom. Consider doing so after your largest meal of the day to take advantage of your gastrocolic reflex.

Add more water soluble fiber to your diet. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, bran and whole grains help produce bulkier stools which move through the large intestines faster. Conversely try to minimize starches such as potatoes and pasta which can promote constipation.

Consider a daily bulking fiber supplement such as Metamucil or Citrucel if dietary measures are inadequate in reducing opioid induced constipation.

Take a daily stool softener such as Colace. Stool softeners cause water retention in the large intestines which prevents hard dry stools.

Use a stimulant laxative such as Dulcolax or Senna on an as needed basis. Unlike other options stimulant laxatives actually impact the nerves and muscles of the intestines which help to propel stool along.

Use Miralax powder for brief periods when opioid induced constipation worsens. This osmotic laxative can take four to six hours to start working.

Select an enema as a last resort when opioid induced constipation fails to respond to these other measures.

Ask your doctor about Amitiza for intractable opioid induced constipation. Amitiza is a unique medication approved for treating chronic constipation. It actually helps to normalize the way intestines contract by activating serotonin receptors.

*  A comprehensive bowel program usually incorporates a combination of these laxatives with necessary lifestyle modifications. Items such as bulking fibers or stool softeners can be taken daily while stimulant or osmotic laxatives are utilized more sparingly when opioid induced constipation flairs up.

*  Stay well hydrated since some of these laxatives can cause fluid or electrolyte imbalances.