HomeAnswersMedical GastroenterologyconstipationDoes COVID-19 medications cause constipation?

After three weeks of COVID-19, I have constipation and stomach pain for ten days. Please help.

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 12, 2021
Reviewed AtAugust 31, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am recovering from COVID-19. It is almost three weeks now, and I do not have a fever. However, I am having constipation for the last 10 to 12 days. Today morning I had stomach pain, but the motion was fine. But my stomach pain persists till now. Kindly suggest me a solution.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Did you take any medications like antibiotics or painkillers to treat COVID-19 infection (coronavirus disease 2019)? How severe is the pain in your stomach? Does pain improve after you take meals or water? Or it worsens after meals? Did you use any acid suppressant medication such as Omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor) ? The COVID-19 infection is associated with ulcers in the gut, and the other common reason is the drug side effect. So I need the above information before establishing the cause behind your symptoms and guiding you to the subsequent treatment. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the reply.

Pain is not severe but moderate. I got pain today only, so I did not notice the pain intensity after meals or water. I did not take any painkillers except Calpol 650 mg. I took Doxycycline 100 mg, Ivermectin, Zincovit, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D. I took Omeprazole yesterday and the day before yesterday. Before that, I did not take it. Kindly suggest accordingly. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

These multivitamins cause constipation and gas trouble within the abdomen, particularly Zinc bases, Vitamins, and Vitamin D. I suggest you stop these if you still take them as a part of your problem will improve with the stop of these medications. Also, there is no proven role of an antioxidant in COVID-19. You take the regular diet. Take Movicol sachet (Polyethylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Potassium Chloride) two sachets at night with water for constipation till your constipation improves. Take capsule Nexium (Esomeprazole) 40 mg once daily half an hour before meal for two weeks. Doxycycline also causes ulcers in the gut, particularly the esophagus and stomach. If you have already stopped it, then fine, start Esomeprazole for two weeks (may extend to four weeks). This will relieve your pain. Let me know soon, as I can modify the regimen if you do not see any improvement.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ajeet Kumar
Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medical Gastroenterology

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