This review article, published by the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, discusses the efficacy, safety, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, interactions and administration of alvimopan (a selective µ-opioid receptor antagonist with no central nervous system activity) for postoperative ileus.

The review concludes that alvimopan appears to decrease the duration of postoperative ileus and hospitalisation by approximately one day, theoretically offsetting its acquisition costs. However unresolved long-term safety issues, a limited indication, and its restricted-access program are barriers to its widespread use in the surgical population.

[Editors note: There are no licensed preparations in the UK that contain alvimopan.]