Description
Naltrexone is typically used to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol abuse disorder. It is classified as an opioid antagonist blocking the effects of exogenously administered opioids. However, at low doses (0.5mg – 6mg) oral naltrexone has been prescribed for its possible analgesia and anti-inflammatory effects, which have not been observed at higher doses. Low dose naltrexone may be beneficial for the treatment of various conditions including chronic pain and autoimmune illnesses.
Pronunciation:
(nal trek sown)
Other Names:
Vivitrol (Brand name) and APO-Naltrexone; ReVia (Canada)
Drug Class:
Antidote, Opioid Antagonist
Mechanism of Action:
As a pure opioid antagonist, naltrexone competes with opioid receptors and can displace opioid drugs from the receptors. Naltrexone antagonizes the effects of opioids with long-lasting effects.
Drug Interactions:
Do not take with opioids. May result in precipitation of opioid withdrawal symptoms and decrease the effectiveness of opioids.
Do not take with bremelanotide. May result in naltrexone treatment failure.
Do not take with opioid antagonists (Naldemedine, Naloxegol). May result in increased risk of opioid withdrawal.
Adverse Effects:
Common side effects you might experience: nausea/vomiting, gastrointestinal pain/cramps, joint/muscle pain, difficulty sleeping, anxiety or headaches.
Tell your doctor if you begin to have any of these symptoms following naltrexone administration: yellowing of the skin (jaundice), experience any suicidal thoughts, symptoms of opioid withdrawal, or mild symptoms that do not go away.
To minimize risk of withdrawal syndrome, patients should be opioid-free for at least 7-10 days.
Administration:
May be administered by mouth with or without food. Administration with food or after food may minimize gastrointestinal adverse effects. Follow instructions directed by your healthcare provider.
Dosing:
Contact your healthcare provider for specific dosing instructions.
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy testing is recommended prior to the initiation of naltrexone therapy for opioid use disorder. Naltrexone and its metabolite (6-beta-naltrexol) has been shown to cross the placenta. Limited data exists about use of naltrexone during pregnancy, patients who are pregnant should speak to their doctor about the risks and benefits of naltrexone therapy.
Breastfeeding:
Naltrexone and its metabolite (6-beta-naltrexol) can be seen in breast milk. Patients should speak to their doctor about the risk and benefits of naltrexone therapy.
Children/Pediatrics:
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients
References:
– Naltrexone [monograph]. In: Lexicomp online [online database]. Hudson, OH: Lexicomp (accessed 2020 June 11).
– Naltrexone [monograph]. In: Micromedex [online database]. Greenwood Village, CO: Truven Health Analytics (accessed 2020 June 11).
– Younger, J., Parkitny, L., & McLain, D. (2014). The use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a novel anti-inflammatory treatment for chronic pain. Clinical rheumatology, 33(4), 451–459. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-014-2517-2.
– Toljan, K., & Vrooman, B. (2018). Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)-Review of Therapeutic Utilization. Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 6(4), 82. https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci6040082
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