Don't Count on Stool Softeners for Opioid-Induced Constipation

June 2015

Questions often come up about how to prevent or treat constipation caused by opioid pain meds (oxycodone, etc).

Opioids reduce "GI motility"...the movement of food and waste through the body. And the resulting constipation can be hard to treat.

Osmotic laxatives (Lax-A-Day, etc) are usually tried first...and work by promoting secretion of water INTO the colon. They're available without a prescription...inexpensive...and well tolerated.

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Don't Count on Stool Softeners for Opioid-Induced Constipation

Practical advice for a better career, with unlimited access to CE

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