NR 293 RUA Medication Teaching Plan

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-293: Pharmacology for Nursing Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Medication Teaching Plan

Introduction

This teaching project highlights Symproic (Naldemedine), a prescription oral medication categorized as an opioid receptor antagonist. It is mainly prescribed to patients experiencing Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC), a frequent gastrointestinal complication resulting from the therapeutic use of opioid medications. As explained by Hu and Bridgeman (2018), OIC is one of the most common adverse effects that occurs when patients initiate, modify, or increase opioid use.

The focus of this teaching plan is on adult patients who live with chronic pain disorders requiring opioid analgesics. At present, there is insufficient evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of Symproic in pediatric populations; therefore, the educational material is designed for adult patients only.

Purpose of the Teaching Plan

The goal of this medication brochure is to provide patients with an easy-to-understand yet evidence-based overview of Symproic. The material aims to:

• Educate patients on the gastrointestinal complications associated with opioid use.

• Explain the clinical role of Symproic in minimizing constipation without interfering with opioid pain relief.

• Highlight the benefits of Symproic therapy, including improvement in bowel function and quality of life.

• Encourage medication adherence by providing patients with clear guidance on its use and expected outcomes.

According to Markham (2017), Symproic demonstrated substantial efficacy in clinical trials, with patients experiencing significant increases in weekly bowel movements compared to placebo across different study intervals, including 12, 24, 36, and 52 weeks.

What is Symproic?

Question: What is Symproic?
Symproic (Naldemedine) is an opioid receptor antagonist that works by blocking the effects of opioids on the gastrointestinal tract while preserving their central pain-relieving properties. It specifically addresses constipation that occurs due to opioid therapy.

Question: Who is the target population?
The target audience includes adult patients with chronic pain conditions who are on long-term opioid therapy and are experiencing constipation as a side effect.

Question: Why is Symproic important for these patients?
Chronic constipation can significantly affect patients’ comfort, compliance with pain management regimens, and overall well-being. Symproic helps restore bowel regularity without diminishing the analgesic effect of opioids, thereby improving treatment outcomes.

Mechanism of Action

Symproic selectively binds to opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal system and counteracts the constipating effects of opioids. Importantly, the drug does not cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning that it does not interfere with pain control provided by opioids.

Clinical Benefits

Patients treated with Symproic reported improvements in bowel frequency, stool consistency, and reduced discomfort compared to those taking placebo (Markham, 2017). Additionally, these benefits were consistent across different durations of therapy, demonstrating long-term effectiveness and safety.

Table: Overview of Symproic

Patient Education Highlights

When teaching patients about Symproic, it is important to emphasize:

• How to take the medication: Symproic is taken orally once daily, with or without food.

• What to expect: Patients may notice improvements in bowel frequency within the first few weeks of treatment.

• Side effects: Common side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, or nausea. Patients should promptly report severe symptoms to their healthcare provider.

• Importance of adherence: Consistent daily use is essential to achieve the best results.

Conclusion

Symproic offers a targeted approach to managing opioid-induced constipation in adults receiving long-term opioid therapy. By educating patients about its mechanism, safety, and benefits, healthcare providers can improve treatment compliance and enhance patients’ overall quality of life.

References

Constipation too? Ready to make a move? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.symproic.com/

Hu, K., & Bridgeman, M. B. (2018). Naldemedine (Symproic) for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation. P&T: A Peer-Reviewed Journal for Managed Care & Formulary Management, 43(10), 601–627.

Kaufman, M. B. (2017). Pharmaceutical approval update. P&T: A Peer-Reviewed Journal for Managed Care & Formulary Management, 42(8), 502–504. Retrieved from https://chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=124448428&site=eds-live&scope=site

Markham, A. (2017). Naldemedine: First global approval. Drugs, 77(8), 923–927. http://dx.doi.org.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org

NR 293 RUA Medication Teaching Plan.

New drug approvals. (2017). P&T: A Peer-Reviewed Journal for Managed Care & Formulary Management, 42(5), 296–297. Retrieved from https://chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=122620653&site=eds-live&scope=site

Symproic (Naldemedine Tablets): Side effects, interactions, warnings, dosage & uses. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rxlist.com/symproic-drug.htm