Impact of Medications on Bowel Movements
Constipation is a common issue that can significantly impact your quality of life. While diet and lifestyle are often blamed, medications can also play a critical role in disrupting bowel movements. Understanding this connection is crucial for effective constipation treatment. Here, we explore how medications influence bowel health and provide expert advice on managing constipation from top specialists. How Medications Affect Bowel Movements Many medications, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, can cause constipation as a side effect. This happens because certain drugs can interfere with the digestive system in various ways, such as: 1. Slowing Intestinal Motility: Medications like opioids and certain antidepressants can slow down the movement of the intestines, making it harder for stool to pass. 2. Dehydration: Diuretics and antihistamines can lead to dehydration, reducing the amount of water in the stool and making it hard and difficult to pass. 3. Disrupting Electrolyte Balance...