Don't Count on Stool Softeners to Help Opioid-Induced Constipation

The approval of Movantik (mo-VAN-tick, naloxegol) will mean more options for treating opioid-induced constipation.

Counsel patients about a bowel regimen if they start scheduled doses of an opioid for more than a few days.

Suggest starting with a scheduled OTC osmotic laxative such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax, etc). These are well tolerated...inexpensive...cause less cramping than stimulants...and are safe to use long-term for patients on chronic opioids.