Use of methylnaltrexone and related compounds for treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction induced by endogenous opioids

Abstract

A method of for preventing or treating gastrointestinal dysfunction and constipation caused by endogenous opioids in a patient who has been chronically taking opioids. The method comprises administering methylnaltrexone or another quaternary derivative of noroxymorphone most preferably by parenteral, intramuscular, intravenous or oral route.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . A method for treating a patient with constipation caused by endogenous opioids, comprising administering to the patient an amount of a quaternary derivative of noroxymorphone effective to treat the constipation. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the administration is parenteral. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the administration is intravenous. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the administration is intravenous. and the amount is between 0.03 and 1.0 mg/kg. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the administration is intramuscular and the amount is between 0.03 and 1.0 mg/kg. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the administration is oral. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claims 15 - 20 , wherein the quaternary derivative or noroxymorphone is methylnaltrexone. 
   
   
       22 . A method for preventing in a patient constipation caused by endogenous opioids, comprising administering to the patient an amount of a quaternary derivative of noroxymorphone effective to treat the constipation. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the administration is parenteral. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the administration is intravenous. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the administration is intravenous and the amount is between 0.03 and 1.0 mg/kg. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the administration is intramuscular and the amount is between 0.03 and 1.0 mg/kg. 
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the administration is oral. 
   
   
       28 . The method of  claims 22 - 28 , wherein the quaternary derivative or noroxymorphone is methylnaltrexone.