Ishihara, M., Ikesue, H., Matsunaga, H., Suemaru, K., Kitaichi, K., Suetsugu, K., . . . Japanese Study Group for the Relief of Opioid-Induced Gastrointestinal Dysfunction. (2012). A multi-institutional study analyzing effect of prophylactic medication for prevention of opioid-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction. Clinical Journal of Pain, 28, 373–381.
To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic laxatives and antiemetics on constipation, nausea, and vomiting in patients with cancer receiving opioids for the first time.
Medical records were reviewed from 2009 to 2010 for patients experiencing constipation, nausea, or vomiting during the first week of opioid analgesic administration. Number of stools recorded was used in the analysis. Constipation was defined as a stool-free interval of at least 72 hours during the first week. One episode of vomiting was counted as evidence of vomiting. Nausea grading was recorded for seven days.
This was a descriptive, retrospective study.
National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE), version 4.0, for nausea grading
Use of prophylactic laxatives in patients receiving opioids for the first time was effective in reducing the risk and prevalence of constipation.
Findings suggested use of prophylactic laxatives can reduce opioid-induced constipation during the first week in which patients receive opioids. Findings also suggested older patients may be at greater risk for opioid-induced constipation. Nurses can ensure that prophylactic regimens to prevent constipation are suggested for patients beginning opioid use and older adult patients.