Does prednisone cause constipation?

Prednisone is a prescription medication that doctors often prescribe to help manage inflammation-related health conditions.

Inflammation is a natural process your body uses to help fight infection and disease. Too much inflammation can sometimes cause health issues like asthma or arthritis. Prednisone helps lower inflammation by limiting your body’s immune response.

Prednisone doesn’t directly cause constipation. However, some side effects of prednisone can lead to digestive issues, including constipation.

Prednisone and constipation

Constipation is a common side effect of many medications, but it is an uncommon side effect of prednisone.

In rare cases, corticosteroids like prednisone (Prelone) can cause a condition called hypokalemia, which is low potassium blood levels.

Potassium is an electrolyte that helps maintain the fluid volume of your digestive system. This is important for keeping your stool soft and maintaining bowel movements.

If you experience constipation while taking prednisone, it may be a sign of hypokalemia.

A 2021 review suggests that steroid medications can interrupt the nerve signals between your brain, intestines, and colon. This signal disruption can affect the muscles responsible for moving stools through your digestive system, leading to constipation.

Managing constipation

If you’re regularly experiencing constipation while taking a steroid medication like prednisone, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.

They may recommend switching or stopping medications.

If you need to continue taking prednisone, the following may help manage constipation:

• Drink plenty of water, about 11.5–15.5 cups of water per day.
• Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the need to.
• Go for regular walks and try to keep active.
• Try to relax and avoid straining when using the bathroom.
• Eat high fiber foods, preferably at least 22 grams of fiber per day.
• Consider taking laxatives, but only temporarily.
• Talk with a doctor about stopping other medications that may be causing constipation.
• Use a stool while going to the bathroom.

Other side effects

Side effects of prednisone can range from mild to severe. They can also depend on factors like your age and existing health conditions.

If you’re taking prednisone after an organ transplant, there’s a higher risk of severe infection.

Possible side effects of taking prednisone include:

• edema, or fluid retention
• weakness
• slow wound healing
• sweating
• thinning skin
• headaches

Talk with a doctor if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• high blood pressure
• glaucoma
• irregular menstrual cycles
• stomach ulcers
• weakened bones, or osteoporosis
• depressive moods
• psychosis
• allergic reactions

It’s also important to talk with a doctor if your child experiences serious side effects like slowed development.

If you’re at risk of or live with a mental health condition, healthcare professionals may avoid prescribing you corticosteroids like prednisone.

According to a 2023 study, there may be a link between long-term use of oral corticosteroids and mental health conditions like anxiety.

Alternative medications

You don’t have to live with unpleasant side effects. If prednisone isn’t right for you, a doctor can recommend another corticosteroid.

Other corticosteroid medications include:

• dexamethasone (Decadron, DexPak)
• prednisolone (Orapred)
• methylprednisolone
• hydrocortisone (Cortef)

Switching medications may lead to fewer side effects.

Dexamethasone is six times stronger than prednisone. However, one 2022 study suggests that dexamethasone might cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared with prednisone. This may mean there’s a lower chance of constipation.

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Summary

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that helps manage inflammation. A doctor may prescribe the medication if you have asthma, arthritis, or another autoimmune condition.

There’s no evidence that prednisone causes constipation. However, it can lower blood potassium levels, which can cause constipation.

If you’re experiencing constipation while taking prednisone, it may help to increase your fluid intake or adjust your posture when going to the bathroom.

Talk with a doctor about alternative treatment options if you continue to experience unpleasant side effects while taking prednisone.

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