[Stopping smoking and constipation].
BACKGROUND
Among the symptoms that may occur with smoking withdrawal, constipation is relatively frequent, but little studied.


METHODS
Three women reported that constipation developed when they stopped smoking and improved during transient relapses.


CONCLUSIONS
This constipation sometimes produces serious functional disorders and can induce relapse. It occurs especially among women and those predisposed to it. Nicotine, by acting on the parasympathomimetic system, increases intestinal peristalsis, and a cigarette can appear to be effective self-medication. Magnesium salts are the first-line treatment for this problem. If they fail, neostigmine, an anticholinesterase with parasympathomimetic activity, appears remarkably effective in correcting this disorder.
Hôpital Albert Chenevier, Créteil. gilbert.lagrue@ach.ap-hop-paris.fr
Gilbert
G
Lagrue
Solange
S
Cormier
Catherine
C
Mautrait
Catherine
C
Diviné
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009388:Neostigmine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009538:Nicotine / Q000494:pharmacology; D010277:Parasympathomimetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010528:Peristalsis / Q000187:drug effects; D011729:Pyridostigmine Bromide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D010277:Parasympathomimetics; D009388:Neostigmine; D009538:Nicotine; D008274:Magnesium; D011729:Pyridostigmine Bromide