Naltrexone

Naltrexone is used to prevent people who have been addicted to certain drugs (opiates) from taking them again. It is used as part of a complete treatment program for drug abuse (e.g., compliance monitoring, counseling, behavioral contract, lifestyle changes). This medication must not be used in people currently taking opiates, including methadone. Doing so can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms.

Naltrexone belongs to a class of drugs known as opiate antagonists. It works in the brain to prevent opiate effects (e.g., feelings of well-being, pain relief).

It also decreases the desire to take opiates.

Naltrexone is also used to treat alcohol abuse. It can help people drink less alcohol or stop drinking altogether. It also decreases the desire to drink alcohol when used with a treatment program that includes counseling, support, and lifestyle changes.

Naltrexone is available under the following different brand names: ReVia, Vivitrol, and Depade.

Dosage Forms & Strengths

Tablet

• 50 mg

Microspheres for IM injection

• 380 mg

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Opioid Dependence

• Prevention of relapse after opioid detoxification; to be used only after patient has been opioid-free for 7-10 days and after negative naloxone challenge (no symptom withdrawal after naloxone administration)
• Oral: 25 mg initially, then observation for 1 hour, then 50 mg once daily starting on day 2; flexible dosing regimens can be employed to accommodate patient convenience or ensure compliance
• Intramuscular (IM): 380 mg in gluteal muscle every 4 weeks for maintenance of abstinence

Alcohol Dependence

• Treatment in patients who have been able to abstain from alcohol in outpatient settings before treatment initiation
• Oral: 50 mg once daily for up to 12 weeks
• Intramuscular (IM): 380 mg in gluteal muscle every 4 weeks for maintenance of abstinence