Prolonged‐release oxycodone/naloxone for chronic pain

Chronic pain is common, and opioid therapy is often required for pain management. Unfortunately, opioid‐induced bowel dysfunction (OIBD) is a frequent and debilitating side‐effect of opioid use. A new prolonged‐release (PR) preparation of oxycodone/naloxone has been developed for moderate‐to‐severe pain that reduces OIBD in patients. In this article, we consider the mode of action and efficacy of this combination opioid therapy for chronic pain. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.