Medications for Opioid Induced Constipation

Naloxegol and naldemedine are approved for the treatment of opioid induced constipation.  These medications work by blocking mu receptors in the bowel, which essentially results in a withdrawal-like state for the bowel. Withdrawal of opioid stimulus results in improved gut transit from increased release of acetylcholine.  These medications should not be used in cases of bowel obstruction.

Class Drugs

• Naldemedine

• Naloxegol

Class Mechanism of Action

Blocks mu receptors in the bowel

Class Applications

Opioid induced constipation

Class Adverse Effects

Do not use in case of GI obstruction

Metabolized by CYP3A4

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Naldemedine			"Nail" "Democrat" "Diner"
Naloxegol			"Nail" "Ox" "Goal"