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Home > Drug Category > Laxatives & Antidiarrhea > Movantik and Equivalent

Movantik Information

Movantik (naloxegol Oxalate) is a peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist used primarily to treat opioid-induced constipation in adults who take daily opioid pain medications for chronic pain that is not caused by cancer. When people take opioids for an extended period, the medication frequently slows down the digestive system, leading to severe, persistent constipation that regular over-the-counter laxatives often cannot fix. Movantik targets this specific side effect. Opioid medications cause constipation by binding to specific receptors in the gut. This binding slows down muscle contractions, decreases fluid secretion, and hardens the stool. The active ingredient, naloxegol, attaches to a compound called polyethylene glycol. This structural modification prevents the drug from crossing the blood-brain barrier. As a result, the opioid medication continues to provide pain relief in the central nervous system without interference. In the digestive tract, naloxegol acts locally by blocking opioids from binding to the gut receptors. This targeted blockade restores normal muscle function, increases intestinal fluid secretion, and relieves constipation.

Movantik Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects involve the gastrointestinal system, primarily reflecting the restoration of normal bowel function. These may include diarrhea, nausea, passing gas, stomach pain, and vomiting. Other mild side effects may include headache, excessive sweating, and a runny or stuffy nose.

Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects, including:
• Allergic reactions: Difficulty breathing, severe itching, skin rash, blistering, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe GI symptoms: Severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain, and severe diarrhea (including watery or bloody stools).
• Opioid withdrawal symptoms: Signs of systemic withdrawal such as anxiety, sweating, chills, severe muscle aches, increased tearing, insomnia, and frequent yawning.

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Movantik Precautions

Do not use this medication if:
• You are allergic to naloxegol, any inactive ingredients in Movantik, or similar medications.
• You have a known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction (bowel blockage).

Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• A history of gastrointestinal conditions, such as a perforation (tear in the gut) or an infected or inflamed bowel (such as Crohn's disease or diverticulitis).
• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease.
• Recent stomach or bowel surgery.

Medications such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin, and ritonavir can significantly increase Movantik concentrations in the blood, which can trigger severe opioid withdrawal. Concomitant use is strictly not advised. It is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal products and supplements, to determine whether they are safe to use with Movantik. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can dangerously increase naloxegol levels. You must avoid consuming grapefruit products while taking this medication.

Movantik is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, as using it during pregnancy carries a theoretical risk of precipitating acute opioid withdrawal in both the mother and the fetus. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Movantik due to the potential risk of causing acute opioid withdrawal in the breastfed infant.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Movantik?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Movantik.