International journal of gynecological cancer : official journal of the International Gynecological Cancer Society
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Int. J. Gynecol. Cancer · Feb 2010
Case ReportsSubcutaneous methylnaltrexone to restore postoperative bowel function in a long-term opiate user.
One of the most common undesired effects of analgesic opioid use and addiction is constipation. Numerous pharmacologic agents have been used to treat opioid-induced bowel hypomotility with limited success. Methylnaltrexone bromide (MNTX) selectively targets the peripheral adverse effects of opioids while preserving the central analgesic effects of opioid agonist treatment. ⋯ Results suggest that MNTX may accelerate postoperative gastrointestinal recovery in opioid-dependent patients. Further studies are warranted to evaluate its role in the pharmacologic management of postoperative ileus.