Opioid-induced bowel dysfunction.

Article Details

Citation
Copy to clipboard

Thomas J

Opioid-induced bowel dysfunction.

J Pain Symptom Manage. 2008 Jan;35(1):103-13. Epub 2007 Nov 5.

PubMed ID
17981003 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

Opioid-induced bowel dysfunction is a distressing condition that may persist indefinitely in the clinical setting. As we understand more about normal gastrointestinal (GI) physiology, we are also beginning to understand more fully how opioids cause bowel dysfunction. Current therapeutic interventions for opioid-induced bowel dysfunction can be burdensome and sometimes lack efficacy. Systemic opioid antagonists administered orally can induce laxation, but can unpredictably induce systemic or local GI tract withdrawal symptoms. Two new investigational agents, alvimopan and methylnaltrexone, are peripherally acting opioid antagonists that do not cross the blood-brain barrier. Studies to date show promise that these agents may relieve opioid-induced bowel dysfunction in a well-tolerated manner without reversing central analgesia.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs