The Influence of Age on Central Effects of Methylnaltrexone in Patients with Opioid-Induced Constipation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Methylnaltrexone, a peripherally acting µ-opioid receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC), has restricted diffusion across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and has not been demonstrated to impact opioid-induced central analgesia. Age-related changes in BBB permeability may compromise methylnaltrexone's restricted diffusion and alter opioid-induced central analgesic effects.

Objective

This analysis evaluated whether opioid analgesia is compromised in older adults receiving methylnaltrexone for OIC.

Methods

The analysis included adults diagnosed with OIC who received opioids for pain management and who had a terminal illness or chronic nonmalignant pain. Data were pooled from four randomized, double-blind trials and str

SUBMITTER: Liao SS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8211613 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature