Naltrexone
Mechanism :
It is a pure opioid antagonist which acts as a competitive antagonist at opioid receptor sites, showing the highest affinity for mu receptors.
Indication :
- Crohn Disease (Orphan) in pediatric patients
- Opioid dependence
- Treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Contraindications :
Hypersensitivity to naltrexone or any component of the formulation; opioid dependence or current use of opioid analgesics; acute opioid withdrawal; failure to pass naloxone challenge or positive urine screen for opioids.
Dosing :
Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients.
Opioid addiction, Alcohol dependence:
≥16 years: 50 mg PO OD.
Adverse Effect :
Injection site reaction, Nausea, headache, anorexia, insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, anxiety, arthralgia, pharyngitis, increased CPK, depression, muscle cramps, back pain, rash, dry mouth, somnolence.
Interaction :
Lofexidine: May decrease the serum concentration of Naltrexone.
Opioid Analgesics: Naltrexone may diminish the therapeutic effect of Opioid Analgesics.
Hepatic Dose :
Use is contraindicated in acute hepatitis or liver failure, severe or acute liver impairment. If AST or ALT > 3 times ULN: monitor closely and adjust dose or withdraw the drug temporarily.