Meeting slides
Interactive presentation

Introduction to Opioid-Induced Constipation

Anthony Lembo, MD
Suggested Readings
Linked Resources

Clinical Tools

Bowel Function Index

The BFI provides a numerical assessment score for prior 7 days based on ease of defecation, feeling of incomplete evacuation, and personal judgment of constipation.

Patient Assessment of Constipation (PAC-SYM) 

This 12-item questionnaire of patient-reported symptoms assesses 3 subscales of symptoms (bowel movements, rectal symptoms, and abdominal symptoms) over the 2 prior weeks.

Bristol Stool Form Scale

This visual scale is used to classify the type of stools passed.

Patient Education Tool

This patient education tool list items that patients can do at home to help ease their opioid-induced constipation and includes a list of questions to ask the doctor or clinic about constipation.

Guidelines

The functional gastrointestinal disorders and the Rome III process, 2006.

Drossman DA. Gastroenterology. 2006;130:1377-1390.

Clinical guidelines for the use of chronic opioid therapy in chronic noncancer pain.

Chou R, et al. Pain. 2009;10(2):113-130.

Clinical practice guidelines: Management of Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain, 2010

Department of Veterans Affairs. VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain.

Other Resources

A Clinical Guide to Opioid Analgesia. 2nd edition

Fine PG, Portenoy RK. New York, NY: Vendome Group, LLC; 2007.

Responsible Opioid Prescribing: A Clinician’s Guide. 2nd edition, revised and expanded

Fishman SM. Washington, DC: Waterford Life Sciences; 2012.

Related activities
Webcast 
1.00 AMA PRA

Advances in the Management of Opioid-Induced Constipation

Restoring Balance

Faculty: Jeffrey Gudin, MD; Anthony Lembo, MD; Bill McCarberg, MD
Release: 12/15/2014
Expiration: 12/15/2015