What Causes Constipation While On Codeine?

Posted on Fri, 30 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 30 Oct 2015 Answered on

Thu, 19 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have pain in both shoulders but mainly in the right one. On the right side the pain seems to occur in different parts i.e. bicep area,elbow area,fingers also upper shoulder. Simultaneously I get irritabilty in my right foot which makes me clench my toes constantly. The irratabilty in my feet is not there continously. I have had a steroid injection in my right shoulder approx one week ago and the pains still continue. Sleeping seems almost imposssible. I was given codeine tabs 30mg but they do not seem effective and make me constipated so i have stopped taking them. I am 79 years old . Are there any strong pain killers tht will not make me constipated? Advice would be very much appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Tramadol/ Diclofenac

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query

I'm Dr Sudhir Kumar

I have gone through your query and understand your concern. You can take tramadol in place of codeine but it also cause slight constipation. Another suggested medicine is diclofenac which doesn't cause constipation. Both drugs are taken three times a day after meals. You can discuss with your doctor about it.

Hope your query get answered. If you have any clarification then I will be happy to help you.

Wishing you a good health.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj