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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Do Iron Pills Cause Constipation?

My friend is 90 years old and has anemia at 9.2. Iron pills cause him constipation and he has a hard time taking the pills. What could his doctor prescribe that is a liquid, she wrote a prescription for him, but did not put a name of the supplement. Thank you
Mon, 17 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.
I appreciate your concern for your beloved friend.
Incomplete data like how often the iron pills are given??

Yes, the iron pills can cause constipation.

Prescribed in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, the iron pills (Ferrous sulfate) can cause constipation and abdominal pain in addition to black or dark-colored stools or temporary staining of the teeth.
These effects are usually temporary and may disappear as the body adjusts to this medication.

I would recommend the following to relieve his constipation:

1. To take the iron pills orally once a day (if he is taking 3 times/day)
2. To take the laxative docusate sodium at bed time in addition to increasing the intake of oral fluids such as water.
Hope the advice given above would be beneficial.
A feedback is highly appreciated.

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Do Iron Pills Cause Constipation?

Hi & Welcome. I appreciate your concern for your beloved friend. Incomplete data like how often the iron pills are given?? Yes, the iron pills can cause constipation. Prescribed in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, the iron pills (Ferrous sulfate) can cause constipation and abdominal pain in addition to black or dark-colored stools or temporary staining of the teeth. These effects are usually temporary and may disappear as the body adjusts to this medication. I would recommend the following to relieve his constipation: 1. To take the iron pills orally once a day (if he is taking 3 times/day) 2. To take the laxative docusate sodium at bed time in addition to increasing the intake of oral fluids such as water. Hope the advice given above would be beneficial. A feedback is highly appreciated.