Do you sometimes feel constipated and have a hard time swallowing after taking strong painkillers? This is something that happens to many people. So, at times like this, your doctor may prescribe a special medicine to control this constipation. Today we are talking about one such medicine, namely Naloxegol.
What kind of medicine is Naloxegol?
Simply put, Naloxegol is a medication that helps treat constipation that occurs when you take certain strong painkillers, especially opioid painkillers .
Think about it, these opioid painkillers not only reduce your pain, but they also reduce the activity of your intestines a little. That means the muscles in your intestines contract and push the stool forward a little more slowly. Naloxegol is exactly what the drug does to solve this. It is a drug that belongs to the class of drugs called Opioid Blockers. But the specialty of this one is that it mainly works only in your intestines. So, without much of an obstacle to the effect of the medicine you are giving to your pain, it goes only to the intestines and removes the effect of that painkiller, helping the muscles in the intestines to work properly again. Then it becomes easier to pass stool.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the conditions below.
- If you have cancer or a tumor in your stomach, intestines, or intestines.
- If you have a condition like Diverticulitis .
- If you have ever had a bowel blockage before.
- If you have a disease such as inflammatory bowel disease ( e.g. Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
- If you have recently had surgery on your stomach or intestines.
- If you are taking a cancer treatment such as bevacizumab .
- If you have allergies to Naloxegol or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether or not this medication is suitable for you and how to give it.
How should I use the medicine exactly?
To get the most out of your medication, it is important to use it correctly.
1. Time: This pill should be taken only once a day. That too on an empty stomach . That means you should take it in the morning at least an hour before eating, or at least two hours after eating.
2. How to take: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. However, if you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, you can crush it finely and dissolve it in 4 ounces (about 120 ml) of water, and drink it immediately. Ask your doctor about this.
3. Additional Laxatives: Do not use other laxatives while taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. If you do not feel better after taking this medicine for 3 days, tell your doctor. He or she may prescribe a different laxative.
4. Very important: If you stop taking the opioid painkiller, you must also stop taking Naloxegol . This medicine is only given for constipation caused by the opioid. Once you stop the opioid, you will no longer need this medicine.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Naloxegol is a medication that can interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Type of medicine/substance | Description |
|---|---|
| Avoid using Naloxegol with these | |
| Antifungal | Medications like Ketoconazole and Itraconazole |
| Antibiotics | Medicines like Clarithromycin and Telithromycin |
| Medicines for HIV/AIDS | Some antiviral medications |
| Be sure to tell your doctor if you are using these. | |
| Grapefruit juice | Grapes or grape juice may interact with this medication. |
| Other medications | Things like Diltiazem, Verapamil (for heart disease/high blood pressure), Carbamazepine (for epilepsy), Rifampin (for tuberculosis), St. John's Wort (for mental health). |
| Other Opioid blockers | Medications like Naloxone and Naltrexone |
This list is not complete. Don't forget to tell your doctor about every medication, herb, or vitamin you take.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Naloxegol can cause side effects in some people.
| Side effect | What to do |
|---|---|
| If any of these occur, stop taking the medicine and see a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. | |
| Severe, persistent, or worsening stomach pain. | This can be a serious sign of damage to the intestinal wall (perforation). |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, difficulty breathing. |
| If these persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting | These may decrease as the body adjusts to the medication. |
| Diarrhea | This is a common side effect. |
| Gas, headache | These are usually not serious. |
| Opioid withdrawal symptoms | Sweating, chills, diarrhea, stomach pain, restlessness, and feeling weak. If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor. |
Take-Home Message
- Naloxegol is a special medication that is only given for constipation caused by opioid painkillers .
- Always take this medicine on an empty stomach , one hour before or two hours after a meal.
- Most importantly: If you stop taking the painkiller, be sure to stop taking Naloxegol as well.
- If you experience severe stomach pain while taking the medicine, it may be an emergency. Stop taking the medicine immediately and go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbs you are using.
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