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Opioid-Induced Constipation.

Lynn R Webster1

  • 1Vice President of Scientific Affairs, PRA Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.)
|October 14, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) requires early recognition and management. New diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies are proposed to improve patient care and outcomes for this common side effect.

Keywords:
ConstipationOpioidsSide Effects

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pain Management
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a prevalent adverse effect of opioid therapy.
  • OIC can lead to significant physical complications, treatment interruptions, and reduced quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize current evidence on OIC diagnosis and management.
  • To establish consensus-based diagnostic criteria and treatment recommendations for OIC.

Main Methods:

  • A targeted literature review of evidence- and consensus-based data was conducted.
  • A consensus panel developed diagnostic criteria and assessment tools, including the Bowel Function Index.
  • Management strategies, including thresholds for prescriptive therapies, were proposed.

Main Results:

  • Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) necessitates prompt intervention.
  • Consensus criteria and the Bowel Function Index were endorsed for OIC assessment.
  • Proposed management strategies address gaps in current treatment recommendations.

Conclusions:

  • OIC stems from opioid receptor activity in the GI tract, differing from idiopathic constipation.
  • While lifestyle changes and OTC remedies are initial steps, many patients require advanced therapies.
  • Physicians require enhanced understanding and OIC-specific tools for assessment, treatment, and monitoring.