Journal of opioid management
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Patients with chronic pain on daily opioid therapy are frequently burdened with symptoms of constipation. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) contributes to an overall negative impact on the quality of life and may result in poor pain management outcomes. ⋯ This article reviews the pathophysiology, assessment, and pharmacological treatment of OIC. Novel approaches for OIC such as the peripheral opioid receptor antagonists and selective serotonin antagonists are also discussed.