Prolonged-release oxycodone/naloxone for chronic pain

Abstract

Chronic pain is common, and opioid therapy is often required for pain management. Unfortunately, opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OIBD) is a frequent and debilitating side-effect of opioid use. A new prolonged-release (PR) preparation of oxycodone/naloxone has been developed for moderate-to-severe pain that reduces OIBD in patients. In this article, we consider the mode of action and efficacy of this combination opioid therapy for chronic pain. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.