Pharmacy PEBC Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Constipation is a well-known and common side effect of opioid medications due to their effects on the gastrointestinal system. Opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain and gastrointestinal tract, leading to decreased peristalsis (muscle movements) in the intestines. This slowing of intestinal motility results in longer transit time for stool, which in turn increases water absorption from the stool, making it harder and more difficult to pass.

In addition to constipation, opioid therapy may lead to other side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, and dry mouth. However, these effects are often more variable among patients. For instance, while many individuals do experience nausea or drowsiness when taking opioids, the incidence and severity of constipation tend to be more consistent and significant across different populations of patients using these medications.

Given that constipation is a particularly prevalent issue associated with opioid use, healthcare providers routinely address it by recommending lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments and the use of stool softeners or laxatives, to mitigate this side effect. This further underscores the importance of recognizing constipation as a key concern when prescribing or managing opiate therapy.