Reversing Opiate-Associated Constipation

Thursday, 03 March 2005 13:33
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Recent studies have found that opiate antagonists such as naloxone and
naltrexone, if given enterally (e.g. by mouth) in small doses, reverse the gut
actions of the opiate without interfering with the pain-relieving properties.

Methylnaltrexone has been evaluated and found to be helpful if given
intravenously to patients on high opiate doses: it produced laxation and
reversed the opiate slowing of oral-colonic transit times.

These agents may be further evaluated in studies prior to becoming available for treating severe cases of opiate-induced constipation.

DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED WHEN TREATING CONSTIPATION: