HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Warfarin Cause Constipation?

default
Posted on Mon, 8 Aug 2016
Question: I'm 73, I've had a blockage in the lower colon several times in the last 20 years, I was always able to get rid of it with prescription on antibiotics. It wouldn't show up for 2-3 years and get the meds, it would go away. This started in about 1998, endoscopy/colonoscopy showed an area 2' up from the a-hole was closed up. It's back 3 times in the last year, antibiotics didn't help, I've got a endoscopy scheduled which first in about 11-12 years, I take warafrin (blood thinner) so every time I asked the Dr. about having another, he said the endoscopy getting off the blood thinners was worse than what would show up.
Well, in the last 2-3 weeks I've started to get pain in the nutsack and penis and sharp pain all over down there, my scheduled endoscopy scheduled 8-10, should I wait that long to see a Dr? Presently, to take care of the restriction in my colon, I take a system clean (used prior to a endoscopy) out or harsh laxative 2 times a week.
Help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ahmad Nazzal (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
fiber intake to be increased

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Thank you for trusting HCM with your question.

Sometimes warfarin can lead to constipation in rare cases. In case of endoscopy warfarin has to be stopped before procedure, but that is something your doctor will tell you before procedure.

You can ask your warfarin monitoring doctor to prescribe other medications for blood thinning, but that depends on the reason of why are you on blood thinning drugs. It is important not to change your medication plan without consulting your doctor please.

In general to prevent constipation a balanced diet high with fibers, vegetables, salads, less meat.

Medications can be used like fibers capsules once daily.

The endoscopy will reveal anatomical abnormalities that can lead for constipation, if needed and your symptoms do not resolve, you can ask for a sooner date to do the endoscopy.

Please feel free to ask me further questions.

Kind regards,
Dr. Nazzal

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ahmad Nazzal

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 428 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Warfarin Cause Constipation?

Brief Answer: fiber intake to be increased Detailed Answer: Dear XXXX, Thank you for trusting HCM with your question. Sometimes warfarin can lead to constipation in rare cases. In case of endoscopy warfarin has to be stopped before procedure, but that is something your doctor will tell you before procedure. You can ask your warfarin monitoring doctor to prescribe other medications for blood thinning, but that depends on the reason of why are you on blood thinning drugs. It is important not to change your medication plan without consulting your doctor please. In general to prevent constipation a balanced diet high with fibers, vegetables, salads, less meat. Medications can be used like fibers capsules once daily. The endoscopy will reveal anatomical abnormalities that can lead for constipation, if needed and your symptoms do not resolve, you can ask for a sooner date to do the endoscopy. Please feel free to ask me further questions. Kind regards, Dr. Nazzal