title: The attractiveness of opposites: agonists and antagonists.
abstract: Opioid-induced bowel dysfunction, of which constipation is the most common aspect, is a major limiting factor in the use of opioids for pain management. The availability of an oral, long-acting formulation of oxycodone and naloxone represents a highly significant development in pain management. The combination of an opioid analgesic with an opioid antagonist offers reliable pain control with a significant reduction in the burden of opioid-induced constipation.
authors: Tony O'Brien, MB, FRCPI, is Professor and Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Marymount University Hospital & Hospice/Cork University Hospital, Ireland and at the College of Medicine and Health, University College , Cork , Ireland.
authors: Tony
authors: T
authors: O'Brien
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003248:Constipation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D009270:Naloxone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010098:Oxycodone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; C557247:oxycodone naloxone combination; D009270:Naloxone; D010098:Oxycodone
keywords: bowel; dysfunction; naloxone; opioid; quality of life