Relistor (methynaltrexone) is a medication used to manage narcotic-induced constipation. According to MedlinePlus, it belongs to a category of medications called peripherally-acting mu-receptor antagonists. It blocks the effect of narcotic medications on your intestines. Relistor is available as an injection, and its exact dosage depends on your body weight.
Common Side Effects
In a placebo-controlled study of 165 patients receiving Relistor, the National Library of Medicine says that 28.5 percent developed stomach pain, 13.3 percent developed flatulence, 11.5 percent had nausea, 7.3 percent had dizziness, 5.5 percent had diarrhea and 6.7 percent had hyperhidrosis, a condition of excessive sweating. Call your physician when these side effects last for three to five days.
Serious Side Effects
Relistor typically does not cause any life-threatening side effects, but may cause such serious side effects as severe diarrhea. Excessive diarrhea can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium) and dehydration. You must drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids you have lost. Call your doctor when you have severe bouts of diarrhea. He may discontinue Relistor's use and prescribe a safer medication.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Relistor if you are allergic to methylnaltrexone. You may develop hives, edema (swelling) of your tongue, lips or face, and skin welts all over your body.
It is not clear if Relistor contaminates breast milk or harms your baby during pregnancy. Tell your physician whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Drugs.com says that you should avoid Relistor if you take such medicines as meperidine, hydromorphone, codeine, morphine, hydrocordone, naloxone or oxycodone. Relistor may combine with these medications and cause the aforementioned effects.
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