Medication Adverse Effects: Constipation

Hello! Today we are looking at a clinical education question about pharmacology. A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the adverse effects of medications. We need to identify which of the following medications can cause constipation. This is a select-all-that-apply question.

Let's go through the options one by one. Our focus is on drugs that slow down the gastrointestinal tract or alter bowel function towards constipation.

The first option is opioid narcotics, like morphine or oxycodone. These are well-known to cause significant constipation because they slow down peristalsis in the digestive tract. So, we will select this one.

Next, we have anticholinergics and antispasmodics. These drugs block the action of acetylcholine, which is responsible for stimulating muscle contractions in the gut. By inhibiting these contractions, they frequently lead to constipation. This is also a correct choice.

Third, let's look at magnesium-containing antacids. Unlike aluminum or calcium-containing antacids which cause constipation, magnesium actually draws water into the stool and has a laxative effect. Therefore, this typically causes diarrhea, not constipation. We will exclude this.