Evaluating naloxegol for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation

Due to the increased use of opioids for pain and their abuse globally, the rate of restrictive side effects is elevating. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is probably the most widespread, underdiagnosed, and yet common adverse effect. Naloxegol, as an opioid antagonist, is associated with beneficial impacts in OIC. Indeed, blocking mu (μ)-opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) may lead to neutralization of the GI adverse events of opioids.

This review is based on a PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov search for studies undertaken over the past 20 years (2000-2020) using the following keywords: Movantik®, Moventig®, Naloxegol, Opioids, Opioid-induced constipation and Opioid antagonists.

Similar to the management of functional constipation, non-pharmacological therapies are applied as the first step of the procedure. However, in most cases, laxative therpaies with or without stool softeners, which may not result in satisfactory relief are applied. In these instances, administration of prokinetic agents is recommended. Furthermore, studies have shown that the best second-line therapy option is a peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist (PAMORA), which antagonizes GI adverse events.