Active Ingredient: Methylnaltrexone
Methylnaltrexone is indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation when response to laxative therapy has not been sufficient in adult patients, aged 18 years and older.
For this indication, competent medicine agencies globally authorize below treatments:
Subcutaneous
8 - 12 mg
From 8 To 12 mg once every 2 day(s)
The recommended dose of methylnaltrexone bromide is 12 mg (0.6 mL of solution) subcutaneously, as needed, given as at least 4 doses weekly, up to once daily (7 doses weekly).
In these patients, the treatment with usual laxatives should be stopped when commencing treatment with methylnaltrexone.
The recommended dose of methylnaltrexone bromide is 8 mg (0.4 mL of solution) (for patients weighing 38-61 kg) or 12 mg (0.6 mL of solution) (for patients weighing 62-114 kg).
The usual administration schedule is one single dose every other day. Doses may also be given with longer intervals, as per clinical need.
Patients may receive two consecutive doses 24 hours apart, only when there has been no response (bowel movement) to the dose on the preceding day.
Patients whose weight falls outside of the ranges should be dosed at 0.15 mg/kg. The injection volume for these patients should be calculated as follows:
Dose (mL) = patient weight (kg) x 0.0075
In palliative care patients, methylnaltrexone is added to usual laxative treatment.
It is recommended to rotate injection sites. It is not recommended to inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard. Areas with scars or stretch marks should be avoided.
The three areas of the body recommended for injection of methylnaltrexone are upper legs, abdomen, and upper arms.
Methylnaltrexone can be injected without regard to food.
Subcutaneous
8 - 12 mg
From 8 To 12 mg once every 2 day(s)
The recommended dose of methylnaltrexone bromide is 12 mg (0.6 mL of solution) subcutaneously, as needed, given as at least 4 doses weekly, up to once daily (7 doses weekly).
In these patients, the treatment with usual laxatives should be stopped when commencing treatment with methylnaltrexone.
The recommended dose of methylnaltrexone bromide is 8 mg (0.4 mL of solution) (for patients weighing 38-61 kg) or 12 mg (0.6 mL of solution) (for patients weighing 62-114 kg).
The usual administration schedule is one single dose every other day. Doses may also be given with longer intervals, as per clinical need.
Patients may receive two consecutive doses 24 hours apart, only when there has been no response (bowel movement) to the dose on the preceding day.
Patients whose weight falls outside of the ranges should be dosed at 0.15 mg/kg. The injection volume for these patients should be calculated as follows:
Dose (mL) = patient weight (kg) x 0.0075
In palliative care patients, methylnaltrexone is added to usual laxative treatment.
It is recommended to rotate injection sites. It is not recommended to inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard. Areas with scars or stretch marks should be avoided.
The three areas of the body recommended for injection of methylnaltrexone are upper legs, abdomen, and upper arms.
Methylnaltrexone can be injected without regard to food.
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