Alvimopan (By mouth)
al-vi-MOE-pan
Helps restore bowel function after bowel surgery.
Drug classes
Gastrointestinal Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Alvimopan is used to help restore normal bowel function in patients who have just had bowel resection surgery. This medicine works by blocking the effects of certain substances (e.g., hormones, opioids) on bowel movement and secretion, thus, helping prevent a condition called post-operative ileus.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
This medicine is used only as part of a special program called Entereg® Access Support and Education (E.A.S.E.) in hospitalized patients. It is intended for short-term use only.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how alvimopan works. Tell your doctor if you took an opioid pain medicine (such as codeine, fentanyl, methadone, or morphine) within the past week.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not take it if you had an allergic reaction to alvimopan, or if you used an opioid pain medicine within the past 7 days.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or blocked bowels.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Constipation, passing gas, or diarrhea
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Entereg
There may be other brand names for this medicine.