methylnaltrexone
A methyl derivative of noroxymorphone with selective, opioid-receptor antagonistic activity. Methylnaltrexone displaces opioids from peripheral opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, the bladder, and the skin, resulting in decreases in opioid-related constipation, urinary retention, and pruritis, respectively. Methylnaltrexone does not cross the blood-brain barrier and does not affect the centrally-mediated analgesic effect of opioids.
| Synonym: | N-methylnaltrexone bromide quaternary ammonium naltrexone |
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| Abbreviation: | MNTX |
| Chemical structure: | 17-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4,5alpha-epoxy-3,14-dihydroxy-17-methyl-6-oxomorphinanium |