METHYLNALTREXONE - ORAL

METHYLNALTREXONE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (METH-il-nal-TREX-one)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Relistor

GENERIC NAME(S): methylnaltrexone bromide

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat constipation caused by opioid (narcotic) medication. It blocks the effect of opioids on the gut without blocking the effect on pain. Methylnaltrexone belongs to a class of medications known as opioid antagonists.


How to use METHYLNALTREXONE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking methylnaltrexone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at least 30 minutes before your first meal of the day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Ask your doctor if you should continue using your usual medications for constipation. This medication is used only for constipation caused by opioids. Stop taking methylnaltrexone when you stop using opioid pain medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Make sure you are close to a bathroom after taking this medication. This medication works quickly. Most people have a bowel movement within a few minutes to a few hours after taking this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach/abdominal pain may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Stop taking methylnaltrexone and tell your doctor right away if you have diarrhea that doesn't stop. Opioid withdrawal symptoms may occur in some people. Tell your doctor right away if any of these withdrawal symptoms occur: sweating, chills, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, confusion, extreme sleepiness, visual hallucinations), yawning. This drug may rarely cause a serious tear in the stomach or intestinal wall (perforation). Stop taking this medication and get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away, fever, severe dizziness, fainting, severe nausea/vomiting. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking methylnaltrexone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, ulcers, tumors, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis), kidney disease, liver disease. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be at greater risk for diarrhea while taking this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for METHYLNALTREXONE - ORAL

Methylnaltrexone oral is used to treat constipation caused by opioid pain medication in people who have been regularly using opioids for long periods of time.

Methylnaltrexone oral works by blocking the effects of opioids in the gut, without affecting the pain-relieving effects in other parts of the body. It helps to restore normal bowel function and relieve constipation.

Methylnaltrexone oral is usually taken as a tablet once daily, with or without food. Follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects of Methylnaltrexone oral may include stomach pain, gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, or sweating. If these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor.

Before taking Methylnaltrexone oral, inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking. Some drugs may interact with Methylnaltrexone oral, so it is important to discuss potential interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Methylnaltrexone oral usually provides relief from opioid-induced constipation within a few hours after the first dose. However, the time it takes may vary from person to person.

Methylnaltrexone oral is specifically approved for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation and should not be used for other conditions without consulting a healthcare professional.

If you miss a dose of Methylnaltrexone oral, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Methylnaltrexone oral is not addictive as it does not produce any euphoria or other characteristic effects of opioids. It is used solely to relieve constipation caused by opioids.

Methylnaltrexone is an oral medication that functions as a peripherally acting opioid receptor antagonist. It is primarily used to treat opioid-induced constipation in individuals with advanced illness who are receiving palliative care.

Methylnaltrexone works by targeting and blocking the opioid receptors in the peripheral tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, including the bowels. By doing so, it reverses the constipating effects of opioids without affecting their pain-relieving properties.

Methylnaltrexone is usually taken as an oral tablet with or without food. The dosage and frequency will depend on the individual's condition and response to treatment. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the healthcare professional or as mentioned in the medication guide.

The common side effects of methylnaltrexone may include abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and sweating. These side effects are generally mild and temporary. However, if they persist or worsen, it is advised to inform the healthcare provider.

Methylnaltrexone may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to inform the healthcare provider about any pre-existing conditions, allergies, or medications being taken, including opioids. Additionally, it should not be used in individuals with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction.

If a dose of methylnaltrexone is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, it is better to skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Taking a double dose to make up for a missed dose should be avoided.

Methylnaltrexone may interact with certain medications, such as opioids and drugs that affect the gastrointestinal motility. It is important to inform the healthcare provider about all medications being taken to avoid any potential interactions.

Methylnaltrexone works relatively quickly, with bowel movements typically occurring within 4 hours after taking a dose. However, individual response may vary, and it is recommended to consult the healthcare provider if there is no improvement in bowel function.

The safety of methylnaltrexone during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been established. It is crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before using this medication in such situations.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.