Alvimopan Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 23, 2024.

Usual Adult Dose for Gastrointestinal Surgery

FOR HOSPITAL USE ONLY:
Initial dose: 12 mg orally ONCE, administered 30 minutes to 5 hours prior to surgery
Maintenance dose: 12 mg orally 2 times a day, beginning the day after surgery
Maximum dose: Up to 15 doses
Duration of treatment: 7 days OR until discharge

Comment:

• This drug is contraindicated in patients who have taken therapeutic doses of opioids for more than 7 consecutive days immediately prior.

Use: To accelerate the time to upper and lower gastrointestinal recovery following surgeries that include partial bowel resection with primary anastomosis

Renal Dose Adjustments

Mild to moderate renal dysfunction: No adjustment recommended.
Severe renal dysfunction: Frequent monitoring recommended.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD): Not recommended.

Liver Dose Adjustments

Mild to moderate liver dysfunction: Frequent monitoring recommended. Treatment should be discontinued if adverse reactions occur.
Severe liver dysfunction: Not recommended.

Dose Adjustments

Japanese patients: Frequent gastrointestinal adverse event monitoring is recommended. Treatment should be discontinued if adverse reactions occur.

Precautions

The US FDA requires a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for this drug. It includes elements to assure safe use and an implementation system. For additional information: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/rems/index.cfm

US BOXED WARNINGS:
POTENTIAL RISK OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION WITH LONG-TERM USE: FOR SHORT-TERM HOSPITAL USE ONLY:

• There was a greater incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients treated with this drug compared to those treated with placebo in a 12-month clinical trial, though a causal relationship has not established.
• In short-term trials with this drug, an increased risk of MI was not observed.

Recommendation:

• This drug is only available through a restricted program for short-term use (15 doses) under a REMS due to the potential risk of MI with long-term use.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Patients taking therapeutic opioid doses over 7 consecutive days prior to starting treatment

Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Take without regard to meals.

General:

• LIMITATION OF USE: For hospital use only.

Monitoring:

• GASTROINTESTINAL: Signs/symptoms of adverse events

Patient advice:

• Advise patients to speak to their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

• Which drugs cause opioid-induced constipation?

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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