What condition are Naloxegol (Movantik), Methylnaltrexone (Relistor), and Naldemedine (Symproic) indicated for?

Naloxegol (Movantik), Methylnaltrexone (Relistor), and Naldemedine (Symproic) are specifically designed to treat opioid-induced constipation. This condition arises in patients who are on opioid therapy for pain management, as opioids can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including constipation, by slowing bowel motility.

These medications work as opioid receptor antagonists, meaning they block the effect of opioids on the mu-opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract without significantly affecting pain relief. By counteracting the constipating effects of opioids, they help improve bowel function in patients who continue to require opioid analgesics for pain management.

The use of these agents is an important aspect of pain management, as it encourages adherence to opioid regimens by alleviating one of the most common side effects associated with opioid therapy, thus contributing to a better quality of life for patients experiencing chronic pain.