Does Amlodipine Cause Constipation? (5 things to do)
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Does Amlodipine Cause Constipation?
Yes, Amlodipine can cause constipation in some patients. Although it is not a commonly reported side effect of Amlodipine (1), it can still occur in certain individuals. Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure(hypertension) and chest pain(angina).
As medicines for chronic health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, or any such issues are meant to be used for a prolonged period, These medicines should not be randomly discontinued unless prescribed by your physician.
If you are experiencing constipation while taking Amlodipine, consult your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your symptoms, consider other potential causes, and determine the most appropriate action. It’s important not to change your medication regimen without consulting a healthcare professional.
What does the research indicate?
A study on intestinal obstruction caused by Amlodipine overuse in a 60 years old female was published in QJM, International Journal of Medicine, in 2012. The study concluded after extensive research that severe acute intestinal obstruction should be included in the list of gastrointestinal side effects from Amlodipine. (2)
Although not mentioned in the drug resources, severe acute intestinal obstruction is a serious complication and, if untreated, can lead to intoxication and, ultimately, can prove to be life-threatening.
What can you do if you experience constipation while taking Amlodipine?
If you experience constipation while taking Amlodipine, there are several steps you can take:
- Stay hydrated: Drink adequate water throughout the day to maintain hydration. Sufficient hydration can help soften stools and facilitate bowel movements.
- Increase fiber intake: Consume a fiber-rich diet from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements.
- Engage in physical activity: Regular exercise or physical activity can help stimulate bowel movements and alleviate constipation. Do moderate exercise at least three days a week.
- Consider over-the-counter remedies: Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about options such as fiber supplements or mild laxatives that may help relieve constipation.
- Communicate with your healthcare provider: If constipation persists or becomes bothersome, discussing it with your healthcare provider is recommended. They may suggest adjustments to your medication dosage or recommend alternative treatment options.
Remember, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider before changing your medication regimen or starting any new treatments.
When should you consult your doctor?
If you are experiencing abdominal discomfort while taking Amlodipine and are worried it might cause serious issues, you should immediately consult your doctor.
Leaving constipation untreated for a long time can have harmful effects on your anal muscles leading to severe medical conditions like Anal Fissures, Hemorrhoids, Fecal Impaction, and in rare cases, it might result in Intestinal Perforation through a tare which can cause lethal infection.
Hypertensive medications, like Amlodipine, are for prolonged use, for a lifetime in most cases. Abrupt discontinuation of these medicines is not safe. If Amlodipine is causing constipation, your doctor will prescribe a suitable change to your prescription, or a decreased dose may be prescribed. Amlodipine can be split in half, so you might not need a prescription refill.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Amlodipine can cause constipation in some patients, although it is not a commonly reported side effect. If you experience constipation while taking the drug, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance.
Taking certain steps, such as staying hydrated, increasing fiber intake, engaging in physical activity, and considering over-the-counter remedies, may help alleviate constipation. You must consult your healthcare professional before changing your medication and stick to your regular dosing schedule until your next appointment with your doctor.
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References
1.-
Amlodipine (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
2.-
Intestinal obstruction secondary to amlodipine toxicity (QJM, International Journal of Medicine, 2012)
