Side Effects of methylnaltrexone: A Synthesis of Findings from 27 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Methylnaltrexone has been shown to be effective in treating opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in many studies. 27 4 This is because methylnaltrexone blocks the action of opioids on the intestines, thereby relieving constipation. 27 4 Methylnaltrexone may also be effective in treating OIC in children and young adults with advanced cancer. 19 Methylnaltrexone has been shown to be effective in treating morphine-induced itching. 21 Methylnaltrexone has been shown to improve OIC without compromising the analgesic effects of opioids. 23

Reasons for Side Effects

Methylnaltrexone relieves constipation by blocking the action of opioids on the intestines. 27 Therefore, methylnaltrexone can improve constipation without compromising the analgesic effects of opioids. 23 However, methylnaltrexone can also cause other side effects by blocking opioid receptors. 20

Common Side Effects

Abdominal pain

Methylnaltrexone can cause abdominal pain. 14

Diarrhea

Methylnaltrexone can cause diarrhea. 20

Nausea

Methylnaltrexone can cause nausea. 20

Vomiting

Methylnaltrexone can cause vomiting. 20

Dyspepsia

Methylnaltrexone can cause dyspepsia. 20

Rash

Methylnaltrexone can cause rash. 14

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Abdominal pain

If you experience abdominal pain, consult a doctor. 14

Diarrhea

If you experience diarrhea, consult a doctor. 20

Nausea

If you experience nausea, consult a doctor. 20

Vomiting

If you experience vomiting, consult a doctor. 20

Dyspepsia

If you experience dyspepsia, consult a doctor. 20

Rash

If you experience rash, consult a doctor. 14

Comparison of Studies

Commonalities of Studies

Many studies have shown that methylnaltrexone is effective in treating OIC. 27 4 In addition, methylnaltrexone has been shown to improve OIC without compromising the analgesic effects of opioids. 23

Differences in Studies

The side effects of methylnaltrexone vary depending on the study. 14 20 However, methylnaltrexone is generally considered a safe drug. 27

Notes on Applying Research to Real Life

Methylnaltrexone is a potentially effective drug for treating OIC, but it can also have side effects. 14 20 If you are considering taking methylnaltrexone, it is important to consult with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits of the drug. 27 Methylnaltrexone is not right for all OIC patients. 27 In addition, methylnaltrexone can interact with other medications. 6 If you are taking methylnaltrexone, it is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking. 6

Limitations of Current Research

Methylnaltrexone is a new drug, and there is not enough research on its long-term safety and effectiveness. 27 In addition, methylnaltrexone is not right for all OIC patients. 27

Future Research Directions

More research is needed on the long-term safety and effectiveness of methylnaltrexone. 27 In addition, research is needed to determine if methylnaltrexone is right for all OIC patients. 27

Conclusion

Methylnaltrexone may be an effective drug for treating OIC. 27 4 However, because it can have side effects, it is important to consult with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits of taking methylnaltrexone. 27

Literature analysis of 27 papers
Positive Content
25
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
1
Article Type
6
0
0
10
26
1.

Protocol for a randomised control trial of methylnaltrexone for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation and gastrointestinal stasis in intensive care patients (MOTION).

Author: PatelParind B, BrettStephen J, O'CallaghanDavid, AnjumAisha, CrossMary, WarwickJane, GordonAnthony C

Gastrointestinal dysmotility treatment

Methylnaltrexone, a peripheral opioid antagonist, may be effective in reversing opioid-induced constipation and gastrointestinal dysmotility in intensive care patients. This trial investigates the potential benefits of methylnaltrexone in managing these common side effects of opioid sedation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

2.

Naldemedine for the Use of Management of Opioid Induced Constipation.

Author: UritsIvan, PatelAnjana, KiernanHayley Cornwall, ClayConner Joseph, MonteferranteNikolas, JungJai Won, BergerAmnon A, KassemHisham, HasoonJamal, KayeAlan D, KayeAdam M, ViswanathOmar

Opioid-induced constipation treatment

This review focuses on the use of naldemedine, a medication used to treat opioid-induced constipation, a common side effect of opioid medications. The review provides background information, evidence supporting the drug's effectiveness, and indications for its use.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

5.

Methylnaltrexone and Naloxone for Opioid-induced Constipation in the Critical Care Setting.

Author: SainiHarneel S, AlviZara, SinghBavandeep, ElsharkawyBasant, YasirMuhammad

Opioid-induced constipation treatment
GI complications

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a common and potentially serious complication of opioid use in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study highlights the importance of treating OIC and discusses the relative advantages of naloxone and methylnaltrexone (MNTX) as reversal agents.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

7.

Effects of Methylnaltrexone on Ticagrelor-Induced Antiplatelet Effects in Coronary Artery Disease Patients Treated With Morphine.

Author: FranchiFrancesco, RolliniFabiana, ParkYongwhi, HuJenny, KuretiMegha, Rivas RiosJose, FazGabriel, YaranovDmitry, BeenLatonya, PinedaAndres M, SuryadevaraSiva, SofferDaniel, ZenniMartin M, BassTheodore A, AngiolilloDominick J

Platelet reactivity unaffected

Intravenous methylnaltrexone, a peripheral opioid receptor antagonist, had only marginal effects on plasma levels of ticagrelor and its major metabolite in patients receiving morphine for coronary artery disease.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

8.

[Management of adverse effects of opioid therapy].

Author: WirzStefan

Chronic pain treatment
Opioid side effects

This article discusses the management of opioid side effects, including constipation, nausea, sedation, pruritus, and micturition disorder.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : German

9.

Optimal treatment of opioid induced constipation in daily clinical practice - an observational study.

Author: NeefjesElisabeth C W, van der WijngaartHanneke, van der VorstMaurice J D L, Ten OeverDiederik, van der VlietHans J, BeekerAart, RhodiusChristiaan A, van den BergHendrik P, BerkhofJohannes, VerheulHenk M W

Constipation treatment
Opioid side effects

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a common side effect of opioid use in cancer patients. Methylnaltrexone is an effective treatment for OIC, and its efficacy is similar for different opioid subtypes. This study highlights the importance of managing OIC in clinical practice.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Observational StudyResearch that observes and collects data on participants' behavior and outcomes in their natural state, without intervention.

Language : English

10.

Methylnaltrexone-Associated Bowel Perforation in Postoperative Opioid-Induced Constipation and Ogilvie Syndrome: A Case Report.

Author: BlackneyKevin A, KamdarNirav V, LiuChang Amber, EdwardsDavid A

OIC treatment
Bowel perforation
OIC
Ogilvie syndrome

This case report describes a 56-year-old man who developed opioid-induced constipation (OIC) and Ogilvie syndrome following lumbar decompression surgery. Treatment with methylnaltrexone led to an acute bowel perforation, highlighting the importance of careful monitoring and understanding the risks associated with this medication.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

11.

Peripherally Acting μ-Opioid Receptor Antagonists for the Treatment of Opioid-Related Side Effects: Mechanism of Action and Clinical Implications.

Author: StreicherJohn M, BilskyEdward J

Opioid induced constipation
Opioid bowel dysfunction

Opioids can cause constipation, a common side effect that can negatively impact patients’ quality of life. New drugs called PAMORAs can reduce constipation without affecting the pain-relieving effects of opioids.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

13.

Effects of Buprenorphine, Methylnaltrexone, and Their Combination on Gastrointestinal Transit in Healthy New Zealand White Rabbits.

Author: Martin-FloresManuel, SinghBhupinder, WalshCourtney A, BrooksElizabeth P, TaylorLacic, MitchellLisa M

Analgesia
Anorexia
Gastrointestinal stasis

Methylnaltrexone did not alleviate buprenorphine-induced gastrointestinal stasis, reduced food and water consumption, and prolonged gastrointestinal transit time in rabbits.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

14.

Peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonists as treatment options for constipation in noncancer pain patients on chronic opioid therapy.

Author: PergolizziJoseph V, RaffaRobert B, PappagalloMarco, FleischerCharles, PergolizziJoseph, ZampognaGianpietro, DuvalElizabeth, HishmehJanan, LeQuangJo Ann, TaylorRobert

Bowel symptom improvement
Opioid analgesia
Abdominal pain

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a common and troubling side effect of opioid therapy. This study discusses new treatments for OIC, including peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonists like methylnaltrexone, naloxegol, and alvimopan. These medications have been shown to improve bowel symptoms without impacting pain relief, but potential side effects like abdominal pain exist. The study also mentions fixed-dose combination products of oxycodone and naloxone as another treatment option.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

16.

Protocol for a randomised control trial of methylnaltrexone for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation and gastrointestinal stasis in intensive care patients (MOTION).

Author: PatelParind B, BrettStephen J, O'CallaghanDavid, AnjumAisha, CrossMary, WarwickJane, GordonAnthony C

Gastrointestinal dysmotility treatment

Methylnaltrexone, a peripheral opioid antagonist, may be effective in reversing opioid-induced constipation and gastrointestinal dysmotility in intensive care patients. This trial investigates the potential benefits of methylnaltrexone in managing these common side effects of opioid sedation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

17.

Activation of Peripheral μ-opioid Receptors by Dermorphin [D-Arg2, Lys4] (1-4) Amide Leads to Modality-preferred Inhibition of Neuropathic Pain.

Author: TiwariVinod, YangFei, HeShao-Qiu, ShechterRonen, ZhangChen, ShuBin, ZhangTong, TiwariVineeta, WangYun, DongXinzhong, GuanYun, RajaSrinivasa N

Minimal side effects
Neuropathic pain relief

Dermorphin [D-Arg2, Lys4] (1-4) amide (DALDA) effectively inhibited thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity in rats with neuropathic pain. DALDA did not induce motor deficits or locomotor impairment, suggesting that it may be a safe and effective alternative to current opioid therapy for neuropathic pain.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

18.

Opioid-induced constipation in chronic noncancer pain.

Author: WeberH Christian

OIC treatment

This review examines new medications for treating opioid-induced constipation (OIC), a common side effect of opioid use.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

19.

Methylnaltrexone for Opioid-Induced Constipation in Children and Adolescents and Young Adults with Progressive Incurable Cancer at the End of Life.

Author: FlerlageJamie E, BakerJustin N

OIC treatment

This review explores the use of methylnaltrexone for opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in children and adolescents and young adults (AYA) with progressive incurable cancer. While methylnaltrexone is effective in adult cancer patients, its safety and efficacy in pediatric cancer patients have not been fully established.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

20.

The effects of morphine and methylnaltrexone on gastrointestinal pain in healthy male participants.

Author: BrokjaerA, OlesenA E, ChristrupL L, DahanA, DrewesA M

Opioid side effect relief
Local analgesia interference

This study explored the effect of rectal morphine before and after blocking opioid receptors outside the central nervous system with methylnaltrexone (MNTX).

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

21.

Methylnaltrexone to prevent intrathecal morphine-induced pruritus after Caesarean delivery: a multicentre, randomized clinical trial.

Author: PaechM, SngB, NgL, NathanE, SiaA, CarvalhoB

Methylnaltrexone bromide pruritus
Methylnaltrexone bromide ineffective

A single dose of subcutaneous methylnaltrexone bromide 12 mg did not reduce the severity or incidence of intrathecal morphine-induced pruritus in women undergoing elective Cesarean section.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

22.

Peripheral opioid receptor blockade increases postoperative morphine demands--a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Author: JaglaChristina, MartusPeter, SteinChristoph

Pain relief

This study found that blocking peripheral opioid receptors with methylnaltrexone (MNX) increased the amount of morphine that patients needed to get adequate pain relief after knee replacement surgery. This finding suggests that peripheral opioid receptors play a significant role in the pain-relieving effects of morphine.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

23.

Paediatric palliative care: intravenous methylnaltrexone relieves constipation.

Author: YeomansonDaniel, ChohanOsman, MayerAnton

Constipation relief
Intravenous option
No side effects

Intravenous methylnaltrexone, a peripheral opioid μ-receptor antagonist, was successfully used to relieve opioid-induced constipation in a 3-year-old boy with metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. This suggests potential for intravenous methylnaltrexone as a treatment option for opioid-induced constipation in pediatric palliative care.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

24.

[Treatment of constipation in chronic pain patients].

Author: ShimoyamaNaohito, ShimoyamaMegumi

Prevent constipation

Opioid analgesics are commonly used to treat chronic pain, but they can cause constipation as a side effect. New drugs that block opioid receptors in the gut, such as methylnaltrexone and alvimopan, show promise in preventing this side effect without affecting the analgesic effects of opioids.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Japanese

25.

Methylnaltrexone use in a seventeen-month-old female with progressive cancer and rectal prolapse.

Author: LaubischJamie E, BakerJustin N

Methylnaltrexone for constipation

A single dose of subcutaneous methylnaltrexone resolved constipation and rectal prolapse within one hour in a 17-month-old girl with progressive leukemia.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

26.

Pharmacological treatment of constipation in palliative care.

Author: ClemensKatri E, FaustMarkus, JaspersBirgit, MikusGerd

Constipation management

The purpose of the review was to evaluate the current recommendations of therapy guidelines and to determine the effectiveness and safety of laxative administration for the management of constipation in palliative care patients.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

27.

Methylnaltrexone for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation.

Author: BaderSabine, DürkThorsten, BeckerGerhild

Opioid-induced constipation treatment
Pain control
Constipation
Dizziness
Nausea
Pruritus

Methylnaltrexone, a μ-opioid receptor antagonist, is licensed for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in palliative care. This article reviews the pharmacological data, basic research results and clinical evidence of methylnaltrexone.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

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