Use of methylnaltrexone and related compounds

Abstract

A composition for preventing or treating the opioid induced side effect, inhibition of gastrointestinal motility is disclosed. The composition comprises methylnaltrexone or another quaternary derivative of noroxymorphone administered to a patient prior to the administration of an opioid or after the onset of side effects induced by the administration of an opioid, wherein the methylnaltrexone or quaternary derivative is administered orally in an enterically coated form.

1 . A composition for preventing or treating opioid induced inhibition of gastrointestinal motility comprising an enterically coated quaternary derivative of noroxymorphone.  
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1  in the form of a pill, tablet, capsule or granules.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the quaternary derivative of noroxymorphone is methylnaltrexone.  
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the enteric coating is a methacrylic acid copolymer coating.  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein the methacrylic acid copolymer coating is Eudragit L100, Eudragit S100, or any combination thereof.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the quaternary derivative of noroxymorphone is methylnaltrexone.