Methylnaltrexone: a subcutaneous treatment for opioid-induced constipation in palliative care patients.
Opioid-induced constipation is common in palliative care and causes considerable distress to patients taking opioids. Opioid-induced constipation can be difficult to manage with conventional laxatives, often requiring invasive rectal interventions. A unique bowel intervention linked specifically to opioid-induced constipation in the form of a subcutaneous injection is now available for the management of opioid-induced constipation. This article will examine all aspects of opioid-induced constipation with particular reference to this new management option, methylnaltrexone bromide (Relistor).
Kyle
Gaye
G
Thames Valley University. gayekyle@tiscali.co.uk
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D015984:Causality; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003663:Decision Trees; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D054368:Laxatives / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D054368:Laxatives; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; C032257:methylnaltrexone; D009271:Naltrexone