Ishihara, M., Iihara, H., Okayasu, S., Yasuda, K., Matsuura, K., Suzui, M., & Itoh, Y. (2010). Pharmaceutical interventions facilitate premedication and prevent opioid-induced constipation and emesis in cancer patients. Supportive Care in Cancer, 18, 1531–1538.
In part 1, patients who were admitted and receiving opioids were surveyed for use of prophylactic laxatives to prevent constipation.
In part 2, prescribers were given drug information, orders were reviewed, and patients were educated about laxatives to manage constipation.
Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
This was a retrospective survey followed by an interventional study.
Laxative use prophylactically reduced the incidence of constipation in patients taking opioid therapy but did not completely prevent it.
Laxative prophylaxis is beneficial to reduce the risk of opioid-induced constipation. Proactive interventions to increase laxative use may be beneficial to patients.