Constipation is a condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty in passing stools. It can be a common side effect of opioid medications.
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Opioid agonists, such as morphine and codeine, commonly cause constipation due to their action on the gastrointestinal tract.
Opioids decrease gastrointestinal motility by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the gut, leading to slower bowel movements.
Patients on long-term opioid therapy should be monitored for signs of constipation and may require laxatives or stool softeners as preventive measures.
Non-pharmacological interventions like increased dietary fiber, hydration, and physical activity can help manage opioid-induced constipation.
Methylnaltrexone and naloxegol are examples of medications specifically designed to treat opioid-induced constipation without affecting pain relief.
Review Questions
How do opioid agonists contribute to constipation?
What are some non-pharmacological methods to manage opioid-induced constipation?
Name two medications used specifically for treating opioid-induced constipation.
Related terms
Opioid Agonist: A drug that activates opioid receptors to produce pain relief and other effects.
Laxative: A substance that helps stimulate bowel movements to relieve constipation.
Methylnaltrexone: A medication used to treat opioid-induced constipation by blocking peripheral opioid receptors without affecting central analgesia.