06/18/2026
WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS TYPE OF CONSTIPATION
Opioids are a class of medication that reduce the feeling of pain by blocking pain receptors located in the brain, spinal cord and lining of the stomach. Opioids also send signals to the pleasure centers of the brain causing extreme happiness. This class includes codeine, morphine or derivatives such as oxycodone or methadone. Opioid pain killers are frequently prescribed by healthcare professionals to help reduce severe pain. However these medications can cause the uncomfortable side effect of constipation called opioid-induced constipation (OIC). The movement of food in the stomach drastically slows down when a person is taking opioids for a long time. Many people who take opioids are unable to tolerate this side effect and end up discontinuing their medications.
OIC may be alleviated with increasing fiber-rich food, water and physical activity in a person's daily routine. Over0the-counter stool softener such as Colace and Dulcolax can help alleviate some of the constipation. Methylnaltrexone is a medication that is injected under the fat tissue that blocks the opioid from binding receptors in the stomach. This blocking action thereby the feeling of pain without experiencing the symptoms of constipation.
