Pharmacologic Substance
methylnaltrexone
Brand Names:
Relistor
Effect:
Increased Gastric Motility
May Treat:
Constipation
More Information:
Definitions related to methylnaltrexone:
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A methyl derivative of noroxymorphone with selective, opioid-receptor antagonistic activity. Methylnaltrexone displaces opioids from peripheral opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, the bladder, and the skin, resulting in decreases in opioid-related constipation, urinary retention, and pruritis, respectively. Methylnaltrexone does not cross the blood-brain barrier and does not affect the centrally-mediated analgesic effect of opioids.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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The active ingredient in a drug used to relieve certain side effects caused by treatment with opiods (pain killers similar to morphine), such as constipation (hard, dry stools), itching, and low urine flow. Methylnaltrexone binds to opioid receptors outside the brain and may block the side effects of opioid drugs without affecting their ability to relieve pain. Methylnaltrexone is a type of peripheral opioid receptor antagonist.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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