Does co codamol cause constipation?

Do you know what’s worse than being in pain? Being in pain AND constipated. And guess what? If you’re taking co codamol, there’s a chance that could happen! So let’s dive into the nitty gritty of co codamol and how it affects your bowels.

What is Co Codamol?

Before we get into the specifics about this drug, let’s start with the basics. Co codamols are a type of painkiller that consists of two main ingredients: codeine and paracetamol (or acetaminophen if you’re from across the pond). Codeine works by binding to opioid receptors in your brain and spinal cord, which ultimately reduces your perception of pain. Paracetamol helps increase your body’s natural response to pain and fever.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s focus on one particular aspect – how does it affect our bowel movements?

The Effectiveness of Pain Relief

Co codomol is usually prescribed for moderate to severe levels of pain. It can be a blessing when you’re suffering from toothache or other discomforts but also has some side effects such as dizziness or nausea,^(1) but perhaps most importantly – constipation.

How does it work?

Codeine primarily targets opioid receptors within our gastrointestinal tract without affecting smooth muscle contractions (sounds fancy right)^(2), thus slowing down overall gut motility resulting in slower digestion (which paradoxically might seem beneficial). This effect leads to longer transit times for stool which curtails its journey towards happy excretion through defecation causing components required for efficient digestion like water sucked up resulting dry stools making them harder than normally seen regularly − impacting regular fecal urgencies(3).

Dose Dependency

The key point here is ‘dose dependency.’ As with many types of medication, the side effects can vary based on how much you take. In general, higher doses tend to cause increased levels of constipation.^(4)

In the case of co codamol, its dosage range is 8-30mg codeine in conjunction with paracetamol for adults but more than2 tablets (equivalent to 60 mg)may lead to adversely significant decrease bowel movements ^(5) referred as ‘anticholinergic effect.’

Other Side Effects

Constipation isn’t the only potential side effect when taking co codamol. Common symptoms include itching sensations (not cute)^(6), confusion or drowsiness during daytime working hours(7) and severe respiratory depression especially possible in patients with IBD issues/asthma history being additional concerns not taken lightly.

Allergies

Another issue that arises from co-codamol consumption is allergies! Co-Codamol contains lactose along with other ingredients like corn starch, povidone & “hypromellose” which if an individual has been previously diagnosed as lactose intolerant could pose a significant menace.(Lesser known fact: hypromellose is used commercially in coating pills😒).

Preventing Constipation

Let’s face it – nobody enjoys constipation. Here are some tips on how you might be able to reduce your chances of becoming backed up while taking co codomol.

Hydration: Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day will help keep things moving smoothly through your digestive system.

Diet Intake: Include enough fiber rich foods such as vegetables or whole grains rich diet planning so maintaining roughage consistency within toolkit may simplify daily defecation schedules making our bowels easier too!

Laxatives: If drinking more fluids and adjusting your diet doesn’t work quickly consult doctor who upon decision may suggest mouth laxatives by first knowing medical history or any previous allergy.

Exercise: Physical activity has a key role to play in regulating bowel movements efficiently of body which may enhance your digestive rate^(8).

Conclusion

In summary, co codamol is an effective painkiller but with potential side effects, mainly constipation. It’s important to remember that avoiding constipation can be done by staying hydrated and eating enough fiber rich foods as well as contacting medical professionals who may guide use for maintenance of our gut health ensuring better balances between medicines and adverse reactions.

Remember – pain management should never compromise our overall wellbeing!

Citations:

  1. “Co-codamol Side Effect Details (Drug Center),” RxList, accessed August 18, 2021.
  2. Samuel A Malone,” Opioid-induced bowel dysfunction: Pathophysiology and management.” JGSF [serial online] September 2010;25(9):769–777 Accessed August 19,2021
    3)“Opioid-Induced Constipation,” Access Therapies., accessed August 19th,2021
    4.“Codeine Phosphate Hemihydrate”, MHEALTH LOGIN B2B SITE",accessed august21st ,2021. 
    5)Law R.J., Li Y.-T., Young W.C.K., Su L.W.S.High-dose codeine versus standard opioid analgesic regimens for cancer pain:a meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer (2006)14:218–227 https://doi-org.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu/10.1007/s00520-004-0774-x
    6.Gupta,Aman & Chatkara,Hemant& Patel,Yatish&Bhargava,Puneet&Rangari Vijayendra,”Adverse Drug Reactions With Co-Codumo”. Journal Of Evolution Of Medical And Dental Sciences 2016. Vol. 5, Issue 7, Pg-547-549
    7)”Co-codamol (paracetamol and codeine)”, Net Doctor accessed august23th&nbs2021.
    8)Tantoush,Mohammad,& Elsherbiny,Ramez &(et al.).(2019). Exercise as a Management Option for Patients with Chronic Constipation : A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Gastroenterology Nursing,42(4),351–360.MPew//doi-org.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu/10.1097/SGA.000000000002835

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