Constipation as a side effect of opioids.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe the phenomenon of opioid-induced constipation and its treatment.

DATA SOURCES

Published books and journal articles; commercial pharmacologic information.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Patients receiving opioid analgesia are at risk for constipation and its complications. A number of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions are available to prevent and treat this problem.

CONCLUSIONS

Discomfort from this opioid side effect can be particularly distressing to patients with cancer who already suffer from pain. Accurate assessment and individualized interventions are needed.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Collaboration with physicians to determine appropriate drug or nondrug interventions and patient and family education regarding the problem, preventive action, and appropriate treatment methods.