Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Alvimopan?
3. Uses of Alvimopan
4. Do You Need a Prescription for Alvimopan?
5. How Does Alvimopan Work?
6. Common Side Effects of Alvimopan
7. What Should You Not Take with Alvimopan?
8. Conclusion

Introduction

Alvimopan is a prescription medication used to treat certain gastrointestinal conditions. It is an opioid antagonist, meaning it works by blocking the effects of opioids in the body. Alvimopan is available in capsule form and is typically taken twice daily. In this article, we will discuss what Alvimopan is, its uses, whether or not you need a prescription for it, how it works, common side effects, and what you should not take with it.

What is Alvimopan?

Alvimopan is a prescription medication used to treat certain gastrointestinal conditions. It is an opioid antagonist, meaning it works by blocking the effects of opioids in the body. Alvimopan is available in capsule form and is typically taken twice daily. It is used to reduce the duration of postoperative ileus (POI), a condition that can occur after abdominal surgery and can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Alvimopan is also used to reduce the duration of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD), a condition that can occur when taking opioids and can cause abdominal pain, constipation, and bloating.

Uses of Alvimopan

Alvimopan is used to reduce the duration of postoperative ileus (POI) and opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD). It is typically taken twice daily for up to seven days. Alvimopan is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age.

Do You Need a Prescription for Alvimopan?

Yes, Alvimopan is a prescription medication and must be prescribed by a doctor. It is not available over-the-counter.

How Does Alvimopan Work?

Alvimopan is an opioid antagonist, meaning it works by blocking the effects of opioids in the body. It works by blocking the opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps to reduce the duration of postoperative ileus (POI) and opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD).

Common Side Effects of Alvimopan

The most common side effects of Alvimopan include nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, and headache. Other side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor.

What Should You Not Take with Alvimopan?

You should not take Alvimopan with other opioid medications, as this can increase the risk of side effects. You should also not take Alvimopan if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

Conclusion

Alvimopan is a prescription medication used to treat certain gastrointestinal conditions. It is an opioid antagonist, meaning it works by blocking the effects of opioids in the body. Alvimopan is available in capsule form and is typically taken twice daily. It is used to reduce the duration of postoperative ileus (POI) and opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD). You must have a prescription for Alvimopan, and it is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age. Common side effects of Alvimopan include nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, and headache. You should not take Alvimopan with other opioid medications, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

Sources:
– U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Alvimopan. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547862/
– U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Alvimopan: MedlinePlus Drug Information. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607020.html