Opioid-Induced Constipation Treatment; Stool Softeners Are Ideal for Preventing Opioid-Induced Constipation

Opioid-Induced Constipation Treatment; Stool Softeners Are Ideal for Preventing Opioid-Induced Constipation

Opioid-induced constipation treatment is prescribed to those with opioid-induced constipation, one of the most prevalent adverse effects associated with long-term use of opioids, which has a detrimental impact on a person's quality of life. Symptoms of opioid-induced constipation include the bulged abdomen, distention, bloating, and painful defecation due to hard and dry stools. Opioid drugs slow the movement of the bowel which leads to constipation. During opioid therapy, constipation is very common.


A plan to prevent this should be started as soon as possible with opioid-induced constipation treatment. Laxatives should be taken as regularly as opioids. Nephropathy and constipation are common opioid side effects. These side effects can be difficult to manage and tolerance to them is often not developed; especially true for constipation. Nausea & vomiting often go away after a few days, but constipation caused by opioids lasts longer because the drug causes food to move slower through the system.


Therefore, there is an increasing demand for opioid-induced constipation treatment, worldwide. For example, in April 2019, Sandoz signed an agreement with Shionogi for the commercialization of Rizmoic (naldemedine) in the key European markets of Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Rizmoic is a once-daily tablet indicated to treat opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adult patients previously treated with a laxative. Moreover, single large doses of oral naloxone are efficacious in reversing opioid-induced constipation.


Methylnaltrexone injection is also used for opioid-induced constipation treatment in people with an advanced illness or active cancer pain. It works by protecting the bowel from the effects of opioid (narcotic) medications. However, they often cause unwanted side effects. Unlike other side effects, constipation does not go away even after a few days of taking the medicine. Scientists believe this is because the stomach does not get used to opioids as it does in the rest of the body.

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