Abstract: Novel methods for the treatment and/or prevention of ileus. The methods may comprise administering to a patient an effective amount of a peripheral mu opioid antagonist compound. Preferred compounds for use in the methods include piperidine-N-alkylcarboxylates, quaternary morphinans, opium alkaloid derivatives and quaterary benzomorphans. The methods are particularly suitable for treating and/or preventing postsurgical ileus and postpartum ileus.