Use of methylnaltrexone and related compounds

摘要

A composition for preventing or treating the opioid induced side effect, inhibition of gastrointestinal motility is disclosed. The composition comprises methylnaltrexone or another quaternary derivative of noroxymorphone administered to a patient prior to the administration of an opioid or after the onset of side effects induced by the administration of an opioid, wherein the methylnaltrexone or quaternary derivative is administered orally in an enterically coated form.