Opioids and constipation

[helena smith]

Does anyone know if any opioid is better than others in terms of being less likely to cause constipation?

[Teethlai]

Tramadol ?? (source: Martindale)

[Steve G]

Originally Posted by Teethlai

Tramadol ?? (source: Martindale)

BNF also states that tramadol is less likely to cause constipation than opioids. However, tramadol is a bit of an odd drug - some patients love it and think its the best thing ever, others can't stand it at all. I have heard tramadol described as an emetic which has analgesic side effects.

[Teethlai]

Originally Posted by Steve G

BNF also states that tramadol is less likely to cause constipation than opioids. However, tramadol is a bit of an odd drug - some patients love it and think its the best thing ever, others can't stand it at all. I have heard tramadol described as an emetic which has analgesic side effects.

Interesting! Never heard of the emetics bit! How does it work exactly?

[johannes]

Originally Posted by Teethlai

Interesting! Never heard of the emetics bit! How does it work exactly?

By serotonin reuptake inhibition.