# Impact of antipsychotics, antiparkinsonian drugs, and anthraquinone stimulant laxatives on severe constipation in patients with schizophrenia

## TL;DR

This study found that certain medications used to treat schizophrenia, like clozapine and haloperidol, increase the risk of severe constipation, which can lead to serious intestinal problems.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific pharmacological and clinical factors linked to severe constipation in schizophrenia patients.

## Key findings

- High doses of clozapine and haloperidol significantly increase the risk of severe constipation.
- Use of antiparkinsonian drugs and anthraquinone laxatives is also strongly associated with severe constipation.
- Female patients are at higher risk for severe constipation-related conditions.

## Abstract

Constipation in schizophrenia patients receiving antipsychotics can lead to severe intestinal complications, such as paralytic ileus or megacolon. Despite the clinical importance of the topic, few studies have thoroughly investigated the risk factors of constipation‐related complications. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify clinical and pharmacological factors associated with severe, constipation‐related conditions in patients with schizophrenia.

The present, retrospective study analyzed inpatients with schizophrenia and constipation at Tokyo Metropolitan Matsuzawa Hospital between 2014 and 2018. Logistic regression analysis was performed to test for any association between severe, constipation‐related conditions and patient demographics and the use of various antipsychotics, antiparkinsonian drugs, and anthraquinone stimulant laxatives.

Of the 4114 patients included, 556 had a severe, constipation‐related condition. High dosages of clozapine (odds ratio [OR]: 8.688; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.926–39.186; p = 0.005), haloperidol (OR: 1.987; 95% CI: 1.093–3.610; p = 0.024), anthraquinone stimulant laxatives (OR: 1.769; 95% CI: 1.337–2.340; p < 0.001), antiparkinsonian drugs (OR: 1.641; 95% CI: 1.280–2.104; p < 0.001), and female sex (OR: 1.318; 95% CI: 1.097–1.582; p = 0.003) were found to be significantly associated with this condition. On the other hand, high‐dosage risperidone was associated with a reduced risk (OR: 0.688; 95% CI: 0.508–0.932; p = 0.016).

These findings highlighted the need for careful monitoring of constipation and for optimizing antipsychotic drug regimens. The use of antiparkinsonian drugs and anthraquinone stimulant laxatives should be limited to the short term.

This study investigated risk factors for severe constipation in patients with schizophrenia receiving pharmacological treatment. A retrospective analysis of over 4000 inpatients revealed that high‐dose use of clozapine, haloperidol, antiparkinsonian drugs, and anthraquinone stimulant laxatives significantly increased the risk. The findings highlight the importance of careful medication management to prevent serious gastrointestinal complications.