The Food and Drug Administration has approved methylnaltrexone bromide (Relistor) to help restore bowel function in patients with late-stage illness who are receiving round-the-clock opioids for pain. This includes, for example, patients with incurable cancer, end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, Alzheimer's disease, or HIV/AIDS.
   By relaxing intestinal smooth muscles, opioids slow normal bowel function. By blocking opioids from entering those cells, Relistor helps keep bowels functioning normally. Relistor is given by injection, as needed, up to once daily. The recommended starting schedule is once every other day. Don't give Relistor to patients with known or suspected intestinal obstruction.
   Common side effects include abdominal pain, gas, nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea. Stop giving Relistor if the patient develops severe diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, or abdominal pain.

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