American Gastroenterological Association Institute Technical Review on the Medical Management of Opioid-Induced Constipation

Opioid medications are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for acute and chronic pain in the United States. In 2016, nearly 92 million US adults, or approximately 38% of the population, were prescribed opioids, according to results from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.1 As a result of the widespread use of opioids, the prevalence of opioid-related adverse effects has increased markedly. Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux, gastroparesis, anorexia, bloating, abdominal spasms, and constipation, are  common and collectively referred to as opioid-induced bowel dysfunction.

Source: Gastroenterology - October 16, 2018 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Brian Hanson, Shazia Mehmood Siddique, Yolanda Scarlett, Shahnaz Sultan, American Gastroenterological Association Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee Tags: AGA Section Source Type: research