Management of opioid-induced constipation. Thorpe DM. Pain Medicine and Palliative Care, The Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope, Suite 2100, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA. Deborah.Thorpe@hci.utah.edu Constipation is an expected side effect of opioid use and as such should be treated prophylactically. However, because it is often overlooked and under-appreciated it is one of the most common reasons patients avoid or abandon opioid use and, as a result, suffer pain needlessly. Thorough assessment, ongoing evaluation, and patient teaching are key factors in establishing an effective bowel regimen. A bowel clean-out is indicated for patients who have not had a bowel movement in more than 5 days. Once any impactions have been eliminated, a regular regimen of senna and docusate is recommended. Dietary modifications, fluids, and exercise are important but usually not sufficient to overcome opioid-induced constipation. Although many of the medicines that are used to treat pain and related symptoms come with a significant potential for distressing side effects, it is important to understand that most side effects, especially constipation, can be managed and quality of life can be preserved without sacrificing needed analgesia. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2001 Jun;5(3):237-40. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.