Which type of medication is likely to worsen constipation symptoms in patients?

Narcotics are known to worsen constipation symptoms in patients due to their mechanism of action. These medications, also referred to as opioids, bind to specific receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to decreased motility and slower transit time of bowel movements. This results in increased absorption of water from the stool, making it harder and more difficult to pass. The inhibitory effect on the normal contractions of the intestines is significant, often resulting in constipation as a common side effect.

While other types of medications listed can indeed have various gastrointestinal side effects, narcotics are particularly notorious for causing constipation due to their predominant effect on the opioid receptors in the gut. Antivirals, anticancer drugs, and antidepressants can have a range of effects, but they do not typically have the strong impact on bowel motility seen with narcotics. In practice, healthcare providers often need to monitor and manage this significant side effect when prescribing narcotics to ensure the comfort and well-being of patients.