Opioid analgesics are the cornerstone of pain management for moderate-to-severe cancer pain and, increasingly, chronic noncancer pain. Despite proven analgesic efficacy, the use of opioids is commonly associated with frequently dose-limiting constipation that seriously impacts on patients’ quality of life. Agents currently used to manage opioid-induced constipation (OIC), such as laxatives, do not address the underlying opioid receptor-mediated cause of constipation and are often ineffective. A significant need therefore exists for more effective treatment options. A novel approach for selectively and locally antagonizing the gastrointestinal effects of opioids involves the coadministration of a μ-opioid receptor antagonist with negligible systemic availability, such as oral naloxone. Combination therapy with prolonged-release (PR) oxycodone plus PR naloxone has been shown to provide effective analgesia while preventing or reducing constipation. The current article highlights this novel strategy in its potential to significantly improve the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic pain, affording patients the benefit of full analgesia, without the burden of OIC.

Keywords:
Opioid, Constipation, Oxycodone, Naloxone, Analgesia
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
2008
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.