Relistor

Generic name:methylnaltrexone (oral/injection) [ METh-IL-nal-TREX-own ]
Drug class:Peripheral opioid receptor antagonists

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 11, 2022.

What is Relistor?

Relistor blocks the effects of opioid medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.

Relistor reduces constipation caused by using opioid medicine. Methylnaltrexone treats constipation without reducing the pain-relieving effects of the opioid.

Relistor is given to adults who use opioid medicine to treat severe chronic pain that is not caused by cancer.

Relistor injection is also for use in adults who have advanced illness and are receiving palliative care (treatment to relieve suffering and improve quality of life during a serious illness).

This medicine is usually given after laxatives have been tried without successful treatment of constipation.

Warnings

Relistor may cause a perforation (a hole or tear) within your stomach or intestines. Stop using this medicine and get medical help right away if you have severe stomach pain.

While using this medicine, you may have symptoms of opioid withdrawal, such as anxiety, sweating, chills, yawning, stomach pain, or diarrhea.

Stop using Relistor and call your doctor if you have severe or ongoing diarrhea.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Relistor if you have a blockage in your stomach or intestines.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a stomach ulcer;

• perforation (a hole or tear) in your stomach or intestines;

• kidney disease;

• liver disease<...