naloxegol oxalate at a glance
Medicine class
Peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist (PAMORA).
Licensed use
Opioid-induced constipation in adults with an inadequate response to laxatives.
Food
Take on an empty stomach, following the prescription label or pack leaflet.
Swallowing difficulty
The tablet may be crushed, mixed with water and drunk immediately as directed.
What is naloxegol oxalate used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Treating opioid-induced constipation in adults whose constipation has not responded adequately to laxatives.
How does naloxegol oxalate work?
Opioids activate mu receptors in the bowel, slowing movement and increasing fluid absorption from stools. Naloxegol blocks these receptors mainly outside the brain, reducing opioid-related constipation while usually leaving centrally mediated pain relief intact.
naloxegol oxalate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 12.5 mg, 25 mg
How to take naloxegol oxalate
Follow the prescription label and product food instructions.
Take on an empty stomach, before the first meal or after the post-meal interval in the pack leaflet.
If swallowing is difficult, crush the tablet to a powder, mix with half a glass of water and drink immediately. Rinse the glass with another half-glass of water and drink that too.
A crushed and dispersed tablet can be given through a suitable nasogastric tube by healthcare professionals, followed by a water flush.
Tell the prescriber if systemic opioid treatment stops; naloxegol should not continue without review.
naloxegol oxalate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Flatulence
- Headache
- Runny or blocked nose
- Increased sweating
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe, persistent or worsening abdominal pain, which may indicate bowel-wall injury or perforation
- Opioid-withdrawal symptoms occurring together, such as sweating, diarrhoea, vomiting, muscle aches, runny nose, yawning, fever or insomnia
- Allergic reaction, particularly swelling or breathing difficulty
- Reduced opioid pain relief
naloxegol oxalate in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited. Naloxegol is not recommended because blocking opioid receptors could theoretically provoke fetal opioid withdrawal when the mother is also taking an opioid. If pregnant or planning pregnancy, ask the prescriber to review treatment options.
naloxegol oxalate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether naloxegol enters human milk, and withdrawal in an opioid-exposed breastfed infant is theoretically possible. Product information does not recommend use while breastfeeding; ask the prescriber to assess alternatives.
naloxegol oxalate interactions
Check all prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products before treatment. Important examples include:
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole and some HIV protease inhibitors
They can greatly increase naloxegol exposure; combined use is contraindicated.
Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, including diltiazem and verapamil
They increase naloxegol exposure and require prescriber review and adjustment.
Strong CYP3A4 inducers, including carbamazepine, rifampicin and St John’s wort
They can substantially reduce naloxegol exposure, so combined use is not recommended.
Common questions about naloxegol oxalate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What type of constipation does naloxegol treat?
It treats constipation caused by ongoing opioid treatment in adults when laxatives have not worked adequately.
Does naloxegol reduce opioid pain relief?
It is designed to act mainly in the bowel and usually preserve central opioid analgesia. Report reduced pain relief.
Can naloxegol be taken with laxatives?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.