Guideline on Pharmacological Management of Opioid-Induced Constipation

The AGA Institute provides evidence-based recommendations for treating this common adverse side effect of opioid use.

Sponsoring Organization: American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute

Target Audience: Gastroenterologists, internists

Target Population: Patients with opioid-induced constipation

Background and Objective

Opioid use is highly prevalent in the U.S., both as a prescription for treatment of pain and as a substance of abuse. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a common and potentially debilitating side effect and is frequently encountered by clinicians. The aim of this guideline is to provide an evidence-based approach to the medical treatment of OIC.

What's Changed

This is the first guideline focused on the pharmacological options to treat OIC.

Key Points

OIC treatment begins with ensuring that there are appropriate indications for opioid…

Reviewing Author

Charles J. Kahi, MD, MS

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) HSR&D; VA Cooperative Studies Program; VA QUERI

Editorial BoardsClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology; AGA Perspectives