Fecal Impaction Resulting from Long-term Administration of Anticholinergic Drugs in an Older Woman

Abstract

We report a case of fecal impaction resulting from long-term anticholinergic drug use. Conservative treatment was initiated, and all oral medications were discontinued. After defecation was monitored, improvement in abdominal symptoms was noted. More than 50% of older adults using anticholinergic drugs are susceptible to fecal impaction. Therefore, healthcare providers should consider the associated risk of constipation and fecal impaction when pre- scribing anticholinergics to older patients.