NALOXEGOL (nal OX e GAHL) treats constipation caused by opioids. It works by blocking the effect of opioids in your intestine, which helps the muscles in your intestine move stool. This helps produce a bowel movement. It belongs to a group of medications called opioid blockers.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): MOVANTIK
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow medication whole. Do not cut or chew this medication. The medication may also be crushed and mixed with 4 ounces of water. Drink immediately after mixing. Take your medication one time each day, on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before your first meal of the day or 2 hours after the meal. If you are unable to tolerate your dose, inform your care team so that your dose can be adjusted. Do not take additional laxatives except on your care team's advice. Your care team may prescribe other laxatives if your medication does not work well enough after 3 days of treatment. Tell your care team if you stop taking your pain medication. If you stop taking your pain medication, you should also stop taking this medication. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular check-ups. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. If you develop unusually persistent or worsening abdominal pain, stop taking your medication and seek medical attention.
You may have symptoms of opioid withdrawal during treatment with this medication. Symptoms include sweating, chills, diarrhea, stomach pain, anxiety, irritability, and yawning. Tell your care team if you have any of these symptoms. Also, if you take methadone to treat your pain, you may be more likely to have stomach pain and diarrhea compared to people who do not take methadone. If you take too much of this medication, call your care team or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medication with anyone. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law. Follow the directions in the MedGuide.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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