Methylnaltrexone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 23, 2025.

Applies to methylnaltrexone: subcutaneous solution.

Other dosage forms:

• oral tablet

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to use it.

This medicine may cause a tear (perforation) in your stomach or bowels. Check with your doctor right away if you have a severe stomach pain that does not go away.

If severe or persistent (non-stop) diarrhea occurs while using methylnaltrexone injection, check with your doctor right away.

Do not suddenly stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. Doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, chills, increased tearing, redness on the face, neck, arms, and upper chest, feeling cold, diarrhea, irritability, stomach pain, sweating, and yawning.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of methylnaltrexone

Along with its needed effects, methylnaltrexone may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking methylnaltrexone:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking methylnaltrexone:

Symptoms of overdose

• chills
• cold sweats
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

Other side effects of methylnaltrexone

Some side effects of methylnaltrexone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

See also:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to methylnaltrexone: oral tablet, subcutaneous kit, subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions included abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, hyperhidrosis, hot flush, tremor, and chills.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, tremor^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperhidrosis, flushing^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Chills
• Postmarketing reports: Malaise, pain, cases of opioid withdrawal^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Myocardial infarctions^[Ref]

In an open-label, uncontrolled study (n=1034), 4 myocardial infarctions (1 fatal), 1 stroke (fatal), 1 fatal cardiac arrest, and 1 sudden death were reported. It is not possible to establish a relationship between these events and use of this drug.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Abdominal pain (up to 29%), flatulence (up to 13%), nausea (up to 12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea,
• Postmarketing reports: Perforation, cramping, vomiting^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reactions including stinging, burning, pain, redness, and edema^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Which drugs cause opioid-induced constipation?

Further information

Methylnaltrexone side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer