Relistor Protocols

Narcotics are used to relieve pain in patients who are chronically ill or suffering from severe pain. One of the common side effects of narcotics is constipation. According to PubMed Health, Relistor is an injectable medicine used to treat constipation caused by opoid narcotics in patients with advanced illnesses when laxatives have not worked. Relistor shields the colon from the effects of opoid medications. There are important protocols to consider when starting Relistor therapy.

Dosage

• Relistor is a strong medication, so it is important to follow your physician's guidelines for dosage amount. According to Pfizer, the makers of Relistor, the usual schedule for Relistor is one dose every other day as needed, but no more often than one dose every 24 hours. The normal dosage amount for Relistor is determined by a person's weight. Prepare your dose of Relistor when you are ready to administer the injection. If you are not able to use the Relistor injection immediately, store the medicine at room temperature and use the injection within 24 hours. Relistor should look clear or slightly yellow in color. Inject the exact dose your physician has prescribed for you to avoid complications or overdose. Your doctor may prescribe Relistor in a different way, so always refer to your prescription label before injecting Relistor.

Administration

• Relistor is sold in single-use vials to prevent cross-contamination and encourage accurate dosing of medication. Use a syringe to inject the medication subcutaneously under the skin on your stomach or thighs, or have a friend inject the medication into your upper arm. Choose a new spot each time and do not use a location that is bruised, swollen, red or hard. Throw away the vial and syringe after one use, even if they are not empty. Syringes should be disposed of using a puncture-resistant container to avoid injury. Ask your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to inject Relistor, or if you are unsure about what types of syringes to use with Relistor therapy.

Safety

• Relistor relieves constipation caused by opiate narcotics, but according to Drugs.com, Relistor also causes side effects such as stomach pain, gas, nausea, dizziness and increased sweating. Relistor should be used only after laxatives have been deemed unsuccessful for relieving constipation. Before you use Relistor, tell your physician if you have severe or ongoing diarrhea. Provide your physician with a full list of the medications, supplements and herbal products you are taking, and do not start using another medication without speaking to your physician first, because Relistor may interact with some medications.

Contraindications

• Relistor is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction. In cases of severe or persistent diarrhea, patients are advised to call their physician and inquire about discontinuing Relistor therapy. Patients with severe kidney impairment often require a reduction in the amount of Relistor prescribed. Ask your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions about Relistor therapy. Relistor is generally safe to take under the advice of your physician.