It’s been a while coming.
Part one of the article on Constipation can be found here.
Here’s Part 2.
Download (PDF, 12.33KB)
The 2009 RGH E-Bulletins are archived here.
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A joint initiative of the Patient Services Section and the Drug and Therapeutics Information Service of the Pharmacy Department, Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, South Australia. The RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin is distributed in electronic format on a weekly basis, and aims to present concise, factual information on issues of current interest in therapeutics, drug safety and cost-effective use of medications.
Editor: Assoc. Prof. Chris Alderman, University of South Australia – Director of Pharmacy, RGH © Pharmacy Department, Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, South Australia 5041.
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Constipation is not easily defined because there is wide inter-individual variation in normal bowel habit (the normal frequency of bowel motions may vary from three times per day to twice per week), but the term implies a diminished frequency of bowel motions and/or the passage of small hard stools.
Causes of constipation are many, and in an individual, may be multifactorial. Causes of constipation include: inadequate fibre intake, dehydration, immobility reduced muscle tone in small/large bowel, pregnancy, carcinoma, dementia, depression, hypercalcaemia and drugs.
Download (PDF, 12.11KB)
The 2009 RGH E-Bulletins are archived here.
If you like this post and what else you see on the blog please subscribe by RSS feed (the orange button) or by email. Visit my subscription page.
A joint initiative of the Patient Services Section and the Drug and Therapeutics Information Service of the Pharmacy Department, Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, South Australia. The RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin is distributed in electronic format on a weekly basis, and aims to present concise, factual information on issues of current interest in therapeutics, drug safety and cost-effective use of medications.
Editor: Assoc. Prof. Chris Alderman, University of South Australia – Director of Pharmacy, RGH © Pharmacy Department, Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, South Australia 5041.
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Bulk-forming agents,
constipation,
Hyperosmotic laxatives,
RGH E-bulletin,
Stimulant laxatives,
Stool softeners
Methylnaltrexone is a peripherally acting mu (μ) opioid-receptor antagonist, predominantly active in the gastrointestinal tract, marketed in Australia as Relistor®. It does not cross the blood-brain barrier, or interact significantly with the delta or kappa opioid receptors.
Methylnaltrexone is indicated for use in opioid-induced constipation in patients with advanced illness who are receiving palliative care, when response to laxative therapy has not been sufficient. It is available only as a subcutaneous injection to be given when the patient has not experienced a bowel motion for at least 3 days.
There is no doubt that methylnaltrexone is effective at reversing opioid-induced constipation. Rapid onset of a bowel movement may occur within 30 minutes of a dose, therefore patients should remain close to toileting facilities.
Download the bulletin: Methylnaltrexone (254)
The 2009 RGH E-Bulletins are archived here.
If you like this post and what else you see on the blog please subscribe by RSS feed (the orange button) or by email. Visit my subscription page.
Tagged as:
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Drug Information,
Methylnaltrexone,
opioid antagonist,
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