Methylnaltrexone: treatment for opioid-induced constipation.

Abstract

Opioids have become the gold standard for treatment of severe pain in advanced disease, but adverse effects can affect the quality of life. Opioid-induced bowel dysfunction can lead to refractory constipation. Methylnaltrexone bromide is a peripherally acting mu antagonist and is indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in patients with advanced illness, when response to standard laxative therapy has been inefficacious. This pharmacology update will review the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of opioid-induced constipation, focused on methylnaltrexone as a novel treatment for refractory cases.

• Authors: Nerissa Licup, Steven J Baumrucker
• Journal: The American journal of hospice & palliative care (Am J Hosp Palliat Care) Vol. 28 Issue 1 Pg. 59-61 (Feb 2011) ISSN: 1938-2715 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20801917 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Analgesics, Opioid
• Narcotic Antagonists
• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
• methylnaltrexone
• Naltrexone

Topics

• Analgesics, Opioid (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Constipation (chemically induced, drug therapy)
• Defecation (drug effects)
• Humans
• Naltrexone (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Narcotic Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Pain, Intractable (drug therapy)
• Palliative Care (methods)
• Quality of Life
• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (therapeutic use)