IntroductionThe use of opium as an analgesic and antidiarrheal agent dates back to the 30th BC by the Sumerians and predynastic Egyptians. Opium has undergone many modifications and is now accepted as a standard medical compound worldwide (Brock et al., 2012). To manage moderate to severe pain, opioid treatments constitute the majority of therapies in Western countries. It has been estimated that 90% of US patients presenting to pain centers receive opioids for treatment (review 1). However, the use of opioids can cause serious harm, including various side effects and serious complications. Patients receiving opioid analgesics often experience opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD). Constipation is the most common clinical manifestation. Therefore, opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is reported by most cancer patients treated with opioids as a more common source of suffering than pain (burden32). It is not uncommon for patients on opioid therapy to receive co-prescriptions of laxatives. . However, the effects are far from satisfactory, as a large number of patients still complain of distress caused by constipation. Therefore, with the focus on OIC, this article aims to explore current understandings of OIC on its incidence, influence, and adaptation strategies. It will also reveal the prevalence of OCI and discuss the impact of OCI. According to the latest publications, a summary of best practices and evidence-based therapies for OIC will be discussed. Additionally, it will describe current practice and compare it to best practices. Subsequently, based on the comparison and gaps between current practice and best practice, methods to improve practice...... middle of document...... egies. It is advocated to use non-pharmacological measures throughout the entire course of opioid treatment. Although there is no strong clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness, anecdotal reports, clinical opinions, and patient perceptions all contribute to their broad applications. The use of laxatives is consistent with both best practice and current practice; however, they are not rated as effective as they are in cases of simple constipation when treating OCI. Opioid antagonists are promising new agents for OIC, but further research is needed for their adoption in future practice. Recommendations on education and research were discussed for further improvements. OCI remains a significant challenge for medical personnel. All health professionals should strengthen their collaboration to improve practice and research and, therefore, develop better approaches..