Medicines taken for various illnesses or conditions can cause constipation as a side effect in some people.

Here are some drugs that are known to cause constipation.





Type of Drug

Primary Use

Active Ingredients

Antacids

Relieve heartburn

Brands containing
aluminum, calcium

Anticonvulsants

Control epilepsy and
other seizure disorders

Phenytoin, valproic acid

Antidepressants

Treat symptoms of
depression

Amitryptyline,
imipramine,
nortriptyline

Antihypertensives

Lower blood pressure

Diltiazem, nifedipine,
clonidine
hydrochloride

Anti-Parkinson's
agents

Relieve symptoms
of Parkinson's disease

Levodopa, carbidopa

Antipsychotics

Treat symptoms of
psychosis

Haloperidol,
clozapine, risperidone

Antispasmodics

Decrease intestinal
cramps, control
overactive bladder

Propantheline
dicyclomine,
oxybutynin,
tolterodine

Bile acid sequestrants

Reduce cholesterol

Cholestyramine,
colestipol

Calcium supplements

Supplement dietary
calcium

Calcium citrate,
calcium carbonate

Chemotherapy agents

Treat cancer

Vinca alkaloids,
alkylating agents,
others

Diuretics

Lower blood pressure,
promote excretion of water

Furosemide,
hydrochlorothiazide

Iron supplements

Iron deficiency anemia

Ferrous fumarate,
ferrous gluconate,
ferrous sulfate

Opioids

Relieve pain

Morphine, codeine,
oxycodone