Eli5: How do opiates cause constipation?

Question

My research has turned up reports that it slows bowel activity and causes too much water to be absorbed, but what does that have to do with relieving pain?

In: 6

Answer 1

it has nothing to do with relieving pain.Thats why they’re called side effects, they are an unwanted effect beyond the actual intended effect of the drug

you’ve outlined the specific reasons they do in your own question