Advice
Following a full submission
methylnaltrexone (Relistor®) is accepted for restricted use within NHS Scotland for treatment of opioid-induced constipation in advanced illness patients who are receiving palliative care when response to usual laxative therapy has not been sufficient. It is restricted to use by physicians with expertise in palliative care.
Methylnaltrexone has been shown to be superior to placebo in achieving bowel movement in terminally ill patients with opioid-induced constipation already receiving a stable laxative regimen.
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Medicine details
- Medicine name:
- methylnaltrexone bromide (Relistor)
- SMC ID:
- 518/08
- Indication:
- Opioid-induced constipation in advanced illness patients
- Pharmaceutical company
- John Wyeth and Brother Limited
- BNF chapter
- Gastro-intestinal system
- Submission type
- Full
- Status
- Restricted
- Date advice published
- 08 December 2008