Constipation is chronic, digestive-blocking pain

-FWDailyNews

10/14/2007 - Recently, there has been a product called Zelnorm, which was used to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome and constipation. However, Zelnorm has been withdrawn from the market in the U.S. because there seemed to be an increase in life-threatening heart disease and strokes in people taking the drug.

One of the things that almost everyone will experience at some time in is constipation. Most of us choose not to talk about it unless forced to do so (although I have met some people who seem to be able to talk of little else).

     For most people, the symptoms of constipation are their main concern.  These are things like straining, hard stools or incomplete evacuation.

     Physicians are more often concerned with the frequency of bowel movements, with constipation being defined as having a bowel movement no more often than once every three to four days. Other concerns include hemorrhoids (varicose veins of the rectum), rectal fissures (splits in the skin of the rectum), impactions (hard stool blocking the rectum), or other signs like blood in the stool.

     Constipation is one of the most common chronic digestive complaints in the U.S., especially in the elderly. In people over 65 years old, about one third of the population has constipation at least monthly.

     Part of this problem is related to the medications people take for other aspects of their health. These medications include nonprescription drugs such as antacids (especially calcium containing ones), iron supplements, antidiarrheal agents, arthritis medicine and calcium supplements. There are also many prescription drugs which contribute to constipation. Some of them are narcotic pain medicines, many antidepressants, some blood pressure medicines (especially calcium channel blockers and diuretics), statin drugs for cholesterol problems, drugs for Parkinson's disease and antihistamines.

     Since many of these drugs are needed rather than just convenient, they should be continued in spite of side effects like constipation. So relief of constipation becomes a secondary problem in the treatment of another disease.

     Nearly everyone should follow some simple dietary and lifestyle recommendations, especially those folks with constipation. These include adequate fluid intake (at least six glasses of fluid per day), increased consumption of dietary fiber (especially fruits and vegetables), regular non-strenuous physical exercise (such as walking or swimming) and dedicated bathroom time.

     In addition to these simple recommendations, the traditional options for occasional constipation include bulking agents like psyllium (Metamucil), stool softeners like docusate (Colace), stimulant laxatives (Dulcolax or Milk of Magnesia) and osmotic laxatives (Miralax or lactulose). Although the studies of some of these medicines are limited, they all seem to be relatively safe and somewhat helpful. Some caution must be used since regular use can cause problems, especially with lactulose and Miralax, which can cause problems with the levels of chemicals in the blood like sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

     There is also some evidence that constipation may be improved with some yogurt-type probiotic products containing helpful bacteria like Bifidobacterium animalis and Lactobacillus casei, which are found in Activia and Danactive.

     Recently, there has been a product called Zelnorm, which was used to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome and constipation. However, Zelnorm has been withdrawn from the market in the U.S. because there seemed to be an increase in life-threatening heart disease and strokes in people taking the drug.

     Even more recently, a drug named lubiprostone (Amitiza) has been used for chronic constipation in adults. It works by increasing intestinal fluid secretion, which in turn causes the intestinal contents to move through the bowels more rapidly. The most common complications of this drug are nausea, diarrhea and headache.

     Although there is no perfect solution for every person with constipation, there are options. Therefore, if you have problems with constipation, it is wise to consult your doctor to see what might be done to help you.

If you or a loved one have experienced Zelnorm side effects such as severe chest pain, heart attack, or stroke you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Zelnorm attorneys of Ennis & Ennis today for a free confidential case evaluation. Our on staff nurse and attorneys are standing by to answer any questions you may have regarding Zelnorm side effects, a possible Zelnorm class action lawsuit, or any other type of Zelnorm litigation.