Tylenol #3 (codeine) causes SEVERE constipation!
Opioids like codeine slow down your intestines. Without prevention, you can go 5-7 days without a bowel movement, causing:
• Severe pain and bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hemorrhoids and anal fissures
• Fecal impaction (medical emergency)
YOU MUST START PREVENTION THE SAME DAY YOU START TYLENOL #3!
How much: 5-7 prunes daily (morning or night)
Why it works: Contains sorbitol (natural laxative) + high fiber. Works better than prescription laxatives!
Results: Bowel movement within 12-24 hours
How to eat: Plain, or make prune juice smoothie
How much: 1-2 glasses (8-16 oz) immediately when you wake up
Why it works: Stimulates bowel movement, softens stool
Add: Squeeze of lemon for extra help
How much: 1 cup ripe papaya daily
Why it works: Contains papain enzyme that aids digestion
Best time: With breakfast or as snack
How much: 1 bowl daily
Why it works: Mucilage (slime) lubricates intestines
Tip: Cook well, eat the slippery part!
How much: 1/2 cup cooked beans 4x per week
Why it works: Very high fiber (15g per cup)
Tip: Cook soft, mash slightly if needed
How much: 1-2 cups daily (remember: eat 1 hour AFTER thyroid pills!)
Why it works: High fiber + magnesium relaxes intestines
Best way: Steamed or in soup
How much: 1 orange daily
Why it works: Pectin fiber + vitamin C + water
Eat: The whole fruit (not juice) to get fiber
How much: 1 tablespoon in water or soup daily
Why it works: Swells in intestines, adds bulk
IMPORTANT: Drink 8 oz water immediately after!
First-line (start these NOW if taking Tylenol #3):
• MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol): 1 capful (17g) in 8 oz water daily. Mix well, drink immediately. No cramping, no taste. SAFEST for daily use.
• Docusate (Colace): 100mg twice daily. Softens stool. Safe with your medications.
Backup (if above don't work after 3 days):
• Senna (Senokot): 2 tablets at bedtime. Stimulant laxative. Don't use more than 2 weeks continuously.
• Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): 1-2 tablets at bedtime. Works overnight. Causes cramping.
Emergency (if no bowel movement for 5 days):
• Milk of Magnesia: 2 tablespoons. Works in 30 minutes to 6 hours.
• Glycerin suppository: Insert one rectally. Works in 15-60 minutes.
❌ DO NOT USE without doctor approval:
• Mineral oil (dangerous aspiration risk)
• Castor oil (too harsh for elderly)
• Magnesium supplements (you have kidney concerns)
• No bowel movement for 5 days
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Vomiting (sign of blockage)
• Blood in stool
• Very hard, dry stool that won't pass
• Fever with constipation
• Unable to pass gas
These can be signs of fecal impaction (medical emergency!)
Why: Without water, fiber makes constipation WORSE!
Best drinks:
• Plain water (most important)
• Warm water with lemon
• Prune juice (4 oz daily)
• Herbal tea (no caffeine)
Avoid:
• Coffee (causes dehydration)
• Soda (sugar makes constipation worse)
• Alcohol (dehydrates)
Track your water: Fill a large water bottle in morning, finish by bedtime
Keep this guide handy!
Questions to ask your doctor:
1. "Should I start MiraLAX daily since I take Tylenol #3?"
2. "What should I do if I don't have a bowel movement for 3 days?"
3. "Can I use senna or bisacodyl occasionally?"
4. "Are my other medications contributing to constipation?"
5. "Should I increase my fiber intake gradually?"
Track your bowel movements: Mark on calendar each day you have one. If you miss 3 days, call doctor.