Abstract: Opioids are commonly used analgesic drugs for treating cancer pain. Opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OIBD) is a common complication of long-term opioid treatment. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is the most common symptom, affecting 60%-90% of patients who use opioids to treat cancer pain. Opioids drugs can bind to μ receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, inhibit gastrointestinal transit and peristalsis, reduce gastrointestinal fluid secretion, increase fluid absorption, resulting in intestinal dysfunction, including constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain. Constipation caused by opioid drugs is associated with a decrease in the quality of life and an increase in medical expenditure. Drugs that can be used to treat OIC include laxatives, secretagogues, prokinetic agents and opioid receptor antagonists. However, the effectiveness of laxatives is often limited, and laxative use is associated with gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Opioid receptor antagonists are recommended for the treatment of OIC. They can block the action of opioids on the peripheral nervous system and their use does not affect the analgesic effect of opioids on the central nervous system. This study aimed to provide an up-to-date review of the definition, pathophysiology and management of OIC to better identify and treat OIC and save medical resources.