Treating Opioid-Induced Constipation in Older Adults: New Options

Consult Pharm. 2015 Oct;30(10):612-5. doi: 10.4140/TCP.n.2015.612.

Abstract

Numerous factors, such as changes in gastrointestinal physiology, reduced mobility, decreased liquid and nutritional intake, and certain comorbidities, predispose older adults to constipation. Use of opioid medications further compounds this problem. Unlike other side effects associated with opioid use, patients do not develop tolerance to constipation and other opioid-induced bowel dysfunctions. Although opioid-induced constipation has a prevalence rate of 80% in this population, it remains highly undertreated. Despite this problem, there have been limited therapeutic options available for older adults suffering from opioid-induced constipation. On September 16, 2014, a new oral agent, naloxegol, a peripherally acting muopioid receptor antagonist (PAMORA), approved by the Food and Drug Administration, provides new hope for patients. This paper explores clinical complications associated with opioid-induced constipation in older adults, analyzes the efficacy and safety of laxatives and PAMORAs, and defines the future role of naloxegol in this vulnerable population.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects*
  • Constipation / chemically induced
  • Constipation / drug therapy*
  • Constipation / epidemiology
  • Drug Approval
  • Humans
  • Laxatives / adverse effects
  • Laxatives / therapeutic use
  • Morphinans / pharmacology
  • Morphinans / therapeutic use*
  • Narcotic Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / pharmacology
  • Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use*
  • Prevalence
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / antagonists & inhibitors
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Laxatives
  • Morphinans
  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • naloxegol