Novel Opioid Antagonists for Opioid-Induced Bowel Dysfunction and Postoperative Ileus

• DOI: 10.1300/j354v21n02_05
• Publication Date: 2008-12-30T05:37:15Z
• Authors: Ron Neyens; Kenneth Jackson
• Keywords: Ileus; Gastrointestinal transit

Methylnaltrexone and alvimopan are two new potentially useful agents in the management of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction prevention postoperative ileus. Both have promising prokinetic properties appear to be capable reversing effects opioids on delayed gastrointestinal transit. This article reviews currently available published literature provide an overview clinical trials insight for potential use these patients requiring opioid based analgesia. These compounds represent a class that may impact therapeutics induced as well