Alternate Name(s):
RELISTOR
Classification:
Selective peripheral opioid antagonist
Original Date:
January 2009
Indications:
- Treatment of opioid-induced constipation in patients with advanced illness, receiving palliative care and who have had insufficient response to laxatives
Reconstitution and Stability:
- Store unopened vials at room temperature. Protect from light
- Available as 12 mg/0.6 mL single-use vial (20 mg/mL)
- Stable in a syringe for 24 hours at room temperature
Compatibility:
- Solutions Compatible: 0.9% NaCl, Sterile Water for Injection
Administration:
(For approved routes of administration by nursing personnel, refer to Policy for the Administration of Intravenous Medications.)
| SC | YES Rotate injection sites (upper arm, abdomen or thigh) |
| IM | NO |
| IV Direct | NO |
| IV Intermittent Infusion | NO |
| IV Continuous Infusion | NO |
Dosage:
(For neonatal dosages, refer to Neonatal IV Drug Manual.)
Pediatric:
- No dosing information in children or adolescents
Adults:
- 38 to less then 62 kg: 8 mg subcutaneously every 2 days (Maximum 1 dose/24 hours)
- 62 - 114 kg: 12 mg subcutaneously every 2 days (Maximum 1 dose/24 hours)
- Less than 38 kg or greater than 114 kg: 0.15 mg/kg & round volume to nearest 0.1 mL
Dosage Adjustment in Renal Failure:
- Creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/minute:
-38 - less than 62 kg: 4 mg
-62 - 114 kg: 6 mg
-Less than 38 kg or greater than 114 kg: 0.075 mg/kg & round volume to nearest 0.1 mL
-No dosing adjustment for hepatic impairment
Potential hazards of parenteral administration:
- Immediate (within a few minutes to hours): abdominal pain (29%), flatulence (13%), nausea (12%), dizziness (7%), diarrhea (6%), pain at injection site (rare)
Notes:
- Most patients respond within 4 hours, usually within 30 - 60 minutes (median 24 minutes)
- Contraindicated in patients with known or suspected mechanical bowel obstruction
- Does not affect opioid analgesic effects or induce opioid withdrawal symptoms