Does ibuprofen usage lead to constipation?

Answer from top 2 papers

Ibuprofen, a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is generally well-tolerated, but its effects on constipation are not conclusively established. According to a prospective study, constipation was reported as one of the gastrointestinal adverse experiences in ≥1% of subjects taking non-prescription ibuprofen at the maximum dose of 1200 mg/day for 10 days (). However, the frequency of constipation was comparable between the ibuprofen and placebo groups, suggesting that ibuprofen may not significantly increase the risk of constipation.
Interestingly, while ibuprofen is not typically associated with constipation, opioids, which are sometimes used in combination with NSAIDs for pain management, are known to cause constipation. In dental surgical outpatients, opioids have been reported to produce a higher incidence of side effects, including constipation, compared to NSAIDs (). This highlights the importance of considering the potential side effects of different pain management strategies.
In conclusion, while constipation has been reported as a possible side effect of ibuprofen, the evidence does not strongly support a causal relationship. The risk of constipation appears to be low when ibuprofen is used as directed. However, individual responses may vary, and patients should be monitored for any adverse effects, including constipation, when using ibuprofen or any other medication.

Source Papers

52
10.1016/j.trsl.2010.01.005

Ibuprofen-induced hypersensitivity syndrome

Feb 25, 2010
Translational Research
Radu M Nanau + 1 more +1

Ibuprofen-induced hypersensitivity syndrome

73
10.1517/14656560802631319

Lubiprostone: chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation

Dec 16, 2008
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
Brian E Lacy + 1 more +1

Lubiprostone is a bicyclic fatty acid metabolite analogue of prostaglandin E1. The FDA has approved lubiprostone for the treatment of chronic constipation in men and women and the treatment of women with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Lubiprostone specifically activates type-2-chloride channels on the apical membrane of epithelial cells. Lubiprostone acts locally within the intestinal tract, is rapidly metabolized and has very low systemic bioavailability. Animal studies have demonstrated that lubiprostone increases gastrointestinal fluid secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Clinical studies performed in men and women with chronic constipation using 24 μg of lubiprostone twice-daily demonstrated objective improvement in stool frequency and consistency, as well as symptoms of straining and incomplete evacuation. A multi-center study of patients with IBS-C found that 8 μg of lubiprostone twice-daily improved both global and individual symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Lubiprostone is generally well tolerated and serious adverse events are rare. The most common reported side effects are nausea, headache and diarrhea. This monograph provides a brief overview on chloride channel function in the gastrointestinal tract, describes the structure, function, and pharmacokinetics of lubiprostone, and discusses the safety and efficacy of this new medication for the treatment of chronic constipation and IBS-C.