HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How To Treat Constipation?

I had a stent procedure after a heart attack. Then constipatio. Two weeks later I had to have an ablation procedure due to atrial flutter. Now I am having constipation, gas and waking up with indigestion. I am taking lipitor, plavix, lopressor and aspirin every day. Any ideas?
Tue, 2 May 2017
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Drinking sufficient liquids is generally advised to prevent constipation, as is physical activity. In cardiac patients amount of liquids may need to be adjusted if it causes increased blood pressure, swelling of legs, shortness of breath or other side effects or if patients are on water pills/diuretics - which you are not as per list provided.

One of medications used frequently for treatment of constipation is
Polyethylene glycol = PEG - available under multiple brand names eg: MIRALAX. This powder can be taken mixed with a glass of water or another liquid every few hours until it results in a good cleansing bowel movement - and then once daily - or dose may be adjusted as needed to produce a bowel movement daily.
Other medications for constipation are available over the counter: Dulcolax tablets or suppositories - it is an effective laxative but may work somewhat abruptly and not recommended long term.
A good stool softener is colace - it can be used long term, but it is not a laxative - in itself does not stimulate a bowel movement.
Enemas are used when stool got blocked and resulted in so called fecal obstruction.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Clopidogrel


Loading Online Doctors....
How To Treat Constipation?

Drinking sufficient liquids is generally advised to prevent constipation, as is physical activity. In cardiac patients amount of liquids may need to be adjusted if it causes increased blood pressure, swelling of legs, shortness of breath or other side effects or if patients are on water pills/diuretics - which you are not as per list provided. One of medications used frequently for treatment of constipation is Polyethylene glycol = PEG - available under multiple brand names eg: MIRALAX. This powder can be taken mixed with a glass of water or another liquid every few hours until it results in a good cleansing bowel movement - and then once daily - or dose may be adjusted as needed to produce a bowel movement daily. Other medications for constipation are available over the counter: Dulcolax tablets or suppositories - it is an effective laxative but may work somewhat abruptly and not recommended long term. A good stool softener is colace - it can be used long term, but it is not a laxative - in itself does not stimulate a bowel movement. Enemas are used when stool got blocked and resulted in so called fecal obstruction.