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Naloxegol: A Review of Its Use in Patients with Opioid-Induced Constipation

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Abstract

Oral naloxegol (Movantik™, Moventig®), a peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist, inhibits opioid binding in μ-opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. This article reviews the pharmacological properties of naloxegol and its clinical efficacy and tolerability in patients with opioid-induced constipation. It demonstrated clinical efficacy and was well tolerated in placebo-controlled trials in patients with non-cancer pain and opioid-induced constipation, including those with an inadequate response to laxatives, and was well tolerated in a long-term safety study. As a PEGylated naloxone derivative, naloxegol is associated with significant improvements in spontaneous bowel movements, while maintaining levels of opioid-related analgesia (a result of its reduced ability to cross the blood-brain barrier). Naloxegol is a useful option in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation.

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Disclosure

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process, the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on this article. Changes resulting from comments received were made by the authors on the basis of scientific and editorial merit. K. P. Garnock-Jones is a salaried employee of Adis/Springer.

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    Karly P. Garnock-Jones

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  1. Karly P. Garnock-Jones
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Correspondence to Karly P. Garnock-Jones.

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The manuscript was reviewed by: C. Brock, Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Aalborg Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; A.L. Kovac, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City Kansas, USA.

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Garnock-Jones, K.P. Naloxegol: A Review of Its Use in Patients with Opioid-Induced Constipation. Drugs 75, 419–425 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-015-0357-2

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