Can Cough Medicines Cause Constipation? | Pharmacist Explains
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The Answer is Yes!
If you notice a little constipation while taking a cough or cold medicine, the medicine may be one of several things contributing to it.
This can happen because some cough products contain ingredients that may slow the bowel, and being sick can also mean drinking less, eating differently, and moving less than usual.
What Cough Products Can Cause Constipation?
DM Cough Medicines
Dextromethorphan, often labeled DM, is a common cough suppressant. It is available in products such as Delsym® 12 Hour Cough Relief, Robitussin® DM, and Mucinex® DM.
Some people may notice constipation while taking a DM-containing product, especially if they are already prone to constipation.
Nighttime Cough Medicines May Be More Constipating
Nighttime formulas often contain an antihistamine in addition to cough or cold ingredients. Examples include doxylamine, diphenhydramine, and chlorpheniramine.
Products such as NyQuil® and some Theraflu® Nighttime formulas may contain one of these antihistamines, depending on the exact product. Because antihistamines can slow bowel movement, constipation may be a little more noticeable with some nighttime combination products.
What Can You Take if You Become Constipated?
Since cough medicines are usually taken for only a few days, any constipation that develops is usually short term too.
One of the first options to consider is MiraLAX® (polyethylene glycol 3350) . This powder for reconstitution can provide a gradual symptoms relief. You can use the lid of the container to measure 17gm, dissolve in a liquid of choice and drink it once or twice daily.
If the constipation needs a quick attention, Dulcolax® (bisacodyl) or Senokot® (Senna) may also be considered, these are stimulant laxatives that help shake the intestine, but the oral form can take up to 8 hours to provide sufficient response.
Also make sure you are drinking enough fluids, since illness and mild dehydration can contribute to constipation as well.
What Else you need to know
Although some cough suppressant could be the cause of constipation, but you need to rule out other causes as well. Some other medications that can cause constipation are Loperamide, dicyclomine, narcotics..etc. Read the side effects in the instruction manual and discuss it with your pharmacist if needed.
Pharmacist Tip
If your bowel habits change while you are taking a cough medicine, check the Active Ingredients and think about the whole picture. The medicine may be contributing, but so can less fluid, less activity, and changes in your usual routine.
For most people, things return to normal once the illness improves and the cough medicine is no longer needed.
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Pharmacist Reviewed: the information in this article was clinically reviewed by Samer Altameemi, a licensed pharmacist. It is intended for educational purposes, not to substitute for a doctor's professional medical advice.
