Naltrexone: Restoring Control Over Opioid and Alcohol Dependence
| Product dosage: 50mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $7.19 | $215.75 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $6.81 | $431.50 $408.31 (5%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $6.67
Best per pill | $647.25 $599.87 (7%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist medication primarily used in the management of alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. It functions by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, which helps reduce cravings and the pleasurable effects associated with alcohol and opioid consumption. This pharmacological action supports individuals in maintaining abstinence as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and behavioral therapies. Available in oral tablet and extended-release injectable forms, naltrexone offers flexibility in treatment regimens tailored to patient needs and adherence capabilities.
Features
- Available as 50 mg oral tablets and 380 mg/vial extended-release intramuscular suspension
- Pure opioid receptor antagonist with high affinity for mu-opioid receptors
- Non-addictive with no potential for abuse or dependence
- Compatible with most common medications when appropriately dosed
- FDA-approved for alcohol dependence and opioid dependence
- Extended-release formulation provides steady plasma concentration for approximately 4 weeks
Benefits
- Significantly reduces alcohol and opioid cravings by blocking reward pathways in the brain
- Helps maintain abstinence by preventing euphoric effects if substances are used
- Supports long-term recovery when combined with psychosocial interventions
- Reduces relapse rates in both alcohol and opioid dependence
- Improves treatment retention through manageable dosing schedules
- Enhances quality of life by supporting sobriety and functional recovery
Common use
Naltrexone is indicated for the treatment of alcohol dependence in patients who have achieved initial abstinence and for the prevention of relapse in opioid-dependent patients who have undergone detoxification. It is typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes psychological support, counseling, and social interventions. The medication is used off-label in lower doses for certain autoimmune conditions and chronic pain management, though these uses require specialized medical supervision.
Dosage and direction
For alcohol dependence: The recommended dose is 50 mg orally once daily. Treatment should be initiated after the patient has remained opioid-free for at least 7-10 days.
For opioid dependence: The same 50 mg daily oral regimen applies, but patients must be completely detoxified and opioid-free for 7-10 days before initiation to avoid precipitated withdrawal.
Extended-release formulation: 380 mg is administered intramuscularly every 4 weeks by healthcare professionals, injected into the gluteal muscle.
Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with hepatic impairment. Treatment should be supervised by healthcare providers experienced in addiction medicine.
Precautions
Patients should be opioid-free for at least 7-10 days before initiating naltrexone therapy to avoid precipitated withdrawal. Liver function tests should be performed before treatment and periodically during therapy due to potential hepatotoxicity. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment. Patients should carry documentation noting they are taking naltrexone, as it may affect pain management in emergency situations. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require careful risk-benefit assessment under medical supervision.
Contraindications
Naltrexone is contraindicated in patients currently dependent on opioids, including those maintained on agonist therapies like methadone or buprenorphine. It should not be used in patients with acute hepatitis or liver failure, or those with hypersensitivity to naltrexone or any component of the formulation. The medication is also contraindicated in patients failing the naloxone challenge test or having positive urine opioid screen.
Possible side effect
Common side effects include nausea (10%), headache (7%), dizziness (4%), fatigue (4%), insomnia (3-10%), anxiety (2-5%), and abdominal pain/cramps (3%). Less frequently, patients may experience vomiting, decreased appetite, joint and muscle pain, or increased thirst. The extended-release formulation may cause injection site reactions including pain, tenderness, induration, swelling, erythema, or bruising. Hepatic transaminase elevations have been observed in some patients.
Drug interaction
Naltrexone may precipitate acute withdrawal in patients taking opioid agonists. It can reduce the efficacy of opioid-containing medications, including cough preparations and antidiarrheal agents. Concurrent use with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage. Caution is advised when administering with medications that affect liver enzymes. Naltrexone may potentially interact with thioridazine and yohimbine, though clinical significance requires further study.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. For the extended-release formulation, contact your healthcare provider to reschedule the injection. Consistent dosing is important for maintaining therapeutic effects, particularly in early recovery stages.
Overdose
Naltrexone alone in massive quantities may cause liver toxicity symptoms including nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. However, the primary concern with overdose involves attempted opioid override, which can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression despite naltrexone blockade. Management includes symptomatic and supportive care, with particular attention to respiratory status. There is no specific antidote; hemodialysis is not effective due to extensive protein binding.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F), away from light and moisture. Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed. Do not store in bathrooms or near sinks. Keep out of reach of children and pets. The extended-release suspension should be stored refrigerated and administered within 24 hours after preparation.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Naltrexone should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Individual response to medication may vary, and treatment decisions should be based on professional medical evaluation. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication regimen.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate naltrexone’s efficacy in reducing alcohol consumption by approximately 15-20% compared to placebo, with number needed to treat (NNT) of 12 for preventing return to heavy drinking. In opioid dependence, it shows significant reduction in relapse rates when combined with psychosocial support. Patient reports frequently note reduced cravings and improved ability to engage in recovery programs, though individual experiences with side effects vary. The extended-release formulation receives particular praise for improving adherence in real-world settings.