Indications 

Movantik is a prescription medication indicated to treat opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adult patients who suffer from chronic non-cancer pain, including those with pain related to prior cancer or its treatment, without requiring frequent opioid dosage escalation. 

As an opioid antagonist, Movantik directly targets the area affected by opioid-induced constipation by blocking opioids from attaching to “mu-receptors” in the bowels, resulting in prompt relief and improved bowel movements. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Movantik and every time you get a refill, thoroughly read its medication guide and patient information leaflet. For any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to consult your doctor or pharmacist. 

Movantik dosage is based on the patient’s medical condition, response to treatment, and concurrent medications. 

Typically, Movantik is taken once a day in the morning, as prescribed by a doctor, on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after a meal. 

If you have difficulty swallowing the tablets, you can crush them to a powder and dissolve them in 4 ounces (120 mL) of water. Drink the mixture immediately and then add another 4 ounces (120 mL) of water to the glass to ensure the full dose of Movantik is taken. 

If swallowing Movantik tablets is difficult and you have a nasogastric (NG) tube, this medication can be administered by following these steps: 

1. Using a 60 mL syringe, flush the NG tube with 1 ounce (30 mL) of water  
2. Crush the Movantik tablet to a powder and mix it with approximately 2 ounces (60 mL) of water in a container 
3. Draw the mixture and water into the 60 mL syringe and give it through the NG tube 
4. Add approximately 2 ounces (60 mL) of water to the same container used to prepare the dose and flush the NG tube and any remaining medication from the tube into the stomach, using all the water. 

For the best results, take Movantik regularly and as directed, ideally at the same time every day. Adhere to the prescribed dosage and frequency and avoid exceeding or reducing it without your physician’s recommendation. 

Discontinue the use of other laxatives before initiating Movantik. If this medication is ineffective after 3 days of use, notify your physician, who may prescribe additional laxative medication(s). 

Movantik is solely indicated for treating constipation due to opioid use. Discontinue its use when opioid pain medication is no longer being taken unless advised otherwise by a physician. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the possible side effects of Movantik. Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if any of them persist or worsen. 

Common Side Effects 

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Stomach pain 
• Diarrhea 
• Gas 
• Headache 

Serious Side Effects 

• Persistent severe stomach pain 
• Severe diarrhea 
• Symptoms of opioid withdrawal: 
  • Anxiety 
  • Feeling irritable 
  • Sweating 
  • Chills 
  • Yawning 
  • Stomach pain 
  • Diarrhea 

Stop taking Movantik and call your doctor right away if you experience any of the severe symptoms listed above. 

Allergic Reactions 

Rare but severe allergic reactions may occur while taking Movantik. Get emergency medical help if you observe any of the following symptoms: 

• Rash 
• Facial, tongue, or throat itching or swelling 
• Severe dizziness 
• Trouble breathing 

This list of Movantik side effects is not comprehensive. If you experience any other effects not mentioned above, inform your doctor or pharmacist. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Movantik, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist of any known hypersensitivities, particularly to naloxegol, any other medications, or any ingredients present in Movantik tablets. 

To ensure Movantik is safe for you, disclose your medical history to your doctor, especially of: 

• Stomach or intestinal blockage 
• Stomach or intestinal ulcers or tumors 
• Bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s or diverticulitis 
• Kidney disease 

Various medications can impact the elimination of Movantik from the body, which can affect its effectiveness. Such medications include: 

• Adagrasib 
• Azole antifungals: 
  • Ketoconazole 
  • Itraconazole 
• Clarithromycin 
• Cobicistat 
• Indinavir 
• Nefazodone 
• Nelfinavir 
• Rifamycins: 
  • Rifampin 
  • Rifabutin 
• Ritonavir 
• Tipranavir 

To avoid such drug interactions, inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications, including prescription and non/prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, before taking Movantik. 

Pregnant women should only use Movantik if necessary, as it may cause opioid withdrawal in the mother and her unborn child. Consult with your physician to weigh the potential risks and benefits. 

There is a lack of data on the transmission of naloxegol in human milk, its impact on nursing infants, and milk production.Consult with your doctor before nursing an infant while taking this medication.