Current concepts in the management of opioid-induced constipation.
Patients with chronic pain on daily opioid therapy are frequently burdened with symptoms of constipation. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) contributes to an overall negative impact on the quality of life and may result in poor pain management outcomes. Laxative agents are crucial in opioid-related pain management. Following a careful assessment, a stepwise approach to OIC may provide comfort and relief to patients. This article reviews the pathophysiology, assessment, and pharmacological treatment of OIC. Novel approaches for OIC such as the peripheral opioid receptor antagonists and selective serotonin antagonists are also discussed.
Hospice of the Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
John Brandon
JB
Walters
Marcos
M
Montagnini
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003248:Constipation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D054368:Laxatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D054368:Laxatives; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists