
Symproic (naldemedine) is a prescription medicine used to treat constipation caused by opioid medication. It is designed to block the effects of opioids on the gut without blocking their pain-relieving effects. Symproic is not to be taken with laxatives as it has been proven to work without them. It is also not to be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice as this can increase the chance of side effects.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What is Symproic used for? | To treat constipation caused by opioid medication |
How does it work? | By blocking the effect of opioids on the gut without blocking pain relief |
Is it safe for everyone? | No, it is not suitable for those with a blockage in the stomach or intestines, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding |
Can it be taken with food? | Yes, with or without food |
Can it be taken with laxatives? | Yes, it has been proven to work with or without laxatives |
How often should it be taken? | Once per day |
When should it be taken? | Any time of the day, but at the same time every day |
What are the side effects? | Stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, opioid withdrawal symptoms, tearing in the stomach or intestinal wall |
What You'll Learn
- Symproic is a prescription medicine used to treat constipation caused by opioids
- It is not known if Symproic is safe and effective in children
- Symproic is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Symproic is not to be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice
- Symproic is not to be taken with opioid pain medication
Symproic is a prescription medicine used to treat constipation caused by opioids
Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a common condition that affects people taking long-term opioid treatments. Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors found throughout the central nervous system, which results in pain relief. However, these receptors are also found in the intestinal tract, and when opioids bind to them, it often results in constipation. OIC is different from other forms of constipation and may require a different kind of treatment.
Symproic (naldemedine) is a prescription medicine used to treat constipation caused by opioids in adults with long-lasting (chronic) pain that is not caused by active cancer. It belongs to a class of medications known as opioid antagonists and works by blocking the effects of opioids in the digestive system, giving the bowel a chance to work. Symproic is usually taken once per day and can be taken with or without food. It has been shown to be effective in people who have taken opioid pain medications for at least four weeks.
It's important to note that Symproic is not for everyone. You should not use Symproic if you have a blockage in your stomach or intestines or if you are allergic to naldemedine or any of its ingredients. Before taking Symproic, be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, including stomach or bowel problems, liver problems, and pregnancy or breastfeeding plans. Additionally, inform your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as they may interact with Symproic.
The most common side effects of Symproic include stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and gastroenteritis. However, it may also cause serious side effects such as a tear in the stomach or intestinal wall (perforation) and opioid withdrawal symptoms. If you experience severe stomach pain that doesn't go away, stop taking Symproic and seek emergency medical help. Additionally, inform your doctor if you experience opioid withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, chills, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, mental/mood changes, or unusual yawning.
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It is not known if Symproic is safe and effective in children
Symproic is a prescription medicine used to treat constipation caused by opioid medication in adults with long-lasting (chronic) pain that is not caused by active cancer. It is not known if Symproic is safe and effective in children. The safety and efficacy of Symproic in the paediatric population have not been established, and it is not approved for use in individuals under 18 years of age.
Symproic belongs to a class of medications known as peripheral opioid receptor antagonists or PAMORAs (peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonists). It works by blocking the effects of opioids in the digestive system, specifically targeting opioid receptors in the intestinal tract, thereby reducing constipation without interfering with the pain-relieving effects of opioids.
Symproic is designed to address the underlying cause of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) and has been shown to be effective in individuals who have taken opioid pain medications for at least four weeks. It is important to note that Symproic should only be used under medical supervision and is not recommended for those with a history of bowel blockage or intestinal obstruction.
While Symproic has proven benefits for adults, its effects on children are unknown. This uncertainty underscores the critical importance of consulting a healthcare professional before administering any medication to minors. Prescribing decisions for children are complex and require a nuanced understanding of their unique physiological characteristics, developmental stage, and potential risks.
As such, healthcare providers must exercise caution and rely on their medical expertise when considering treatment options for children. In the case of Symproic, healthcare professionals will likely recommend alternative treatments for constipation in children, especially since the drug has not been evaluated for safety and efficacy in this age group.
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Symproic is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women
Symproic is a prescription medicine used to treat constipation caused by opioid medication in adults with long-lasting (chronic) pain that is not caused by active cancer. It is not known if Symproic is safe and effective in children.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss the risks and benefits of taking Symproic. They will help you decide if the benefits of taking Symproic outweigh the potential risks to you and your baby.
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Symproic is not to be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice
Symproic is a prescription medication used to treat constipation caused by opioid medication in adults with chronic pain. It belongs to a class of medications known as opioid antagonists and works by blocking the effects of opioids in the digestive system, giving the bowel a chance to work.
Symproic should not be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice unless advised otherwise by a doctor or pharmacist. This is because grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Grapefruit juice can affect the way some medications work, and this interaction can be a concern.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required that some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs include warnings against consuming grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking the drug. This is because grapefruit juice can affect the action of enzymes and transporters involved in drug metabolism and absorption, leading to too much or too little drug in the body.
In the case of Symproic, grapefruit juice may block the action of intestinal CYP3A4, an enzyme involved in drug metabolism. This could result in more of the drug entering the bloodstream and staying in the body longer, potentially leading to an increased risk of side effects.
Therefore, it is important to avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Symproic unless specifically advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
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Symproic is not to be taken with opioid pain medication
Symproic is a prescription medicine used to treat constipation caused by opioid pain medication in adults with long-lasting (chronic) pain that is not caused by active cancer. It is not known if Symproic is safe and effective in children.
Symproic is a type of medicine known as a PAMORA (peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist). It blocks the effects of opioids in the digestive system, while still allowing pain relief. This means that your pain medication can still effectively reduce your pain with less discomfort caused by opioid-induced constipation.
Symproic has been shown to be effective in people who have taken opioid pain medication for at least 4 weeks. It is important to follow the directions on the medication package and take Symproic as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dose is once per day, and it can be taken with or without food.
It is important to tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, including stomach or bowel problems, liver problems, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Symproic may cause serious side effects, including a tear in the stomach or intestinal wall and opioid withdrawal symptoms. If you experience severe stomach pain or any other serious side effects, stop taking Symproic and seek medical help right away.
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Frequently asked questions
Symproic (generic name: naldemedine) is a prescription medicine used to treat constipation caused by opioid medication. It blocks the effect of opioids on the gut without blocking the effect on pain.
Symproic is a type of medicine known as a PAMORA (peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist). It stops the effects of opioids in the digestive system, allowing for pain relief without discomfort caused by opioid-induced constipation.
Yes, Symproic has been proven to work with or without laxatives. However, it is important to consult your doctor before taking any new medication, as laxatives can counteract the effects of certain medicines.
The most common side effects of Symproic include stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Less common side effects include opioid withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, chills, abdominal cramps, mental/mood changes, and unusual yawning.
Symproic should not be taken if you have a bowel blockage or intestinal obstruction, or if you are allergic to the medication. It is also important to consult your doctor if you have any stomach or intestinal problems, liver problems, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.