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Medicines That Can Cause Constipation in Children

Many medicines can cause constipation. Medicines that are most likely to cause constipation include:

  • Antacids.
  • Antidepressants.
  • Some blood pressure medicines.
  • Cold medicines (antihistamines).
  • Calcium and iron supplements.
  • Narcotic pain medicines.

If constipation occurs following the start of a medicine:

  • For prescription medicine, before your child's next dose (the same day), call the doctor who prescribed it to determine whether your child should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary.
  • For nonprescription medicine, stop giving your child the medicine. If you feel your child needs to continue taking the medicine, call your doctor.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David Messenger, MD
Last Revised October 6, 2010

Last Revised: October 6, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & David Messenger, MD

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