Suggest Treatment For Constipation

Posted on Tue, 9 Sep 2014

Question: Hi. My husband is on high dose fentayl patch (175) every 60 hrs. He suffers constantly with constipation. He'd not been for 9 days this morning. Saw em dr who said movicol ...it has worked to a degree.. Some formed,some loose stools. However his breath still smells of faeceas . My question is shall he continue with movicol and if so how many and how often now . He had 6 in 1 litre today but dr gave him paedeatric movicol for some reason... I have now bought adult . The pharmacist said to start again and take 8 but this was before he had opened his bowels .. Sorry if it's confusing !!

Answered by Dr. Divakara (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Try Lactulose and find aternative to Fentanyl

Detailed Answer:
HI

Thanks for posting your query here .

Before going to the treatment part of constipation we need to see why is he having constipation .

In his case Fentanyl is the cause as Constipation is a side effect of Fentanyl . I advise you ask your doctor to replace Fentanyl with another non opiod pai medication . Once that is done his constipation may resolve .

As of medication is concerned he can continue Movicol as advised that is 6 in 1 litre . He can take it once a 3 days or even less frequently depending on his symptoms . If no relief he can use Lactulose . Ask your doctor for prescription.

Also he needs to drink plenty of fluids , eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid meat .

Also get Serum Potassium and TSH test done to see other causes of constipation .

Any doubts or clarifications feel free to ask , Happy to help .

Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T