The Food and Drug Administration has approved alvimopan (Entereg) to help speed the return of bowel function after partial large- or small-bowel resection. It works by blocking the slowing effects of opioids in the bowel.
   Entereg is approved only for adults, and the approval comes with other conditions. The drug can be used only in hospitalized patients, only in specially certified hospitals, and only with regular assessment by trained health care professionals. Patients can receive no more than 15 doses. The recommended dose is one 12-mg capsule just before surgery and then 12 mg twice daily for up to 7 days.
   In studies, bowel function returned 10 to 26 hours sooner in patients who received Entereg. The most common side effects were a low calcium level, anemia, and GI problems, including constipation, dyspepsia, and flatulence.

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