Suitable Laxative Whilst On Morphine

[minesapint]

I'm having to take Oramorph 10mg/5ml at a dose of 5ml twice a day for facial pain. Narcotics have always caused problems for me in that they always result in constipation.

When I picked up the Oramorph from the pharmacy, the pharmacist warned me that the stuff could cause constipation and asked if I had experienced it before. I told her that I had and usually took bisacodyl tablets.

She then told me that I should be using something containing fibre to prevent the constipation. I think she mentioned something called Fybogel as being suitable.

I'd like to know if this type of laxative would be the best option for me given that I'll be on morphine for a while - my GP is looking to replace the Oramorph with tablets in the long-term.. The pharmacist said that fibre laxatives were much gentler than older types of laxative and were suitable for long term use. Are fibre containing laxatives routinely given to patients on narcotics?

Thank you.

[woofgang]

Yes fybogel is often used with morphine medication. My late Mum had bowel management problems for many years, not because of morphine, and she used fybogel when she needed it for many years. If the fybogel doesn't work, get help sooner rather than later.

[EDDIE51]

My wife is on codeine (very similar to oramorph) she has been told to take Senna and Laculose both together every day.

[Sqad]

It's a b...ger......constipation due to morphine.

Fibre compounds wouldn't be my choice of laxative, but would go with Eddie's combination of Senna and Lactulose...in combination

[237SJ]

When I was on morphine after a fibroid op I didn`t go to the loo for 10 days and friend of mine (nurse) recommended Califig and that did the trick.

[EDDIE51]

^^ Worked for my OH. She has just proudly announced
'' I have done big 3 poo's today''

[Mamyalynne]

Yes, both Senna and Califig help me and fortunately I am fond of an occasional treat of Prunes in natural juice too.

[ladyalex]

I am no expert, but I wouldn't call Fybogel a laxative.
It's more of a stool 'bulker-upper' or softener.
I don't think it makes you 'go' it just makes things easier when you do go.

[anneasquith]

lactulose. stool softener, and is gentle,

[Eve]

I have lactulose and it is, like Anne said, much gentler. I take a lot of codeine but was prescribed the laculose more for a "bulking" issue I have with medication to counteract a malabsorption problem with chronic diarrhoea (can't win haha!).

I was sceptical, but it does help me. I'm not sure it would be enough you had really bad constipation though, hence why the two may be best.

[woofgang]

it s a good "first strike" option to start when you start the meds or if you have an ongoing non med issue. I agree, if you get a problem first it is unlikely to solve it.