Common Use

Naltrexone is a narcotic antagonist used to treat heroin addiction as an alternative to methadone and to help people addicted to alcohol.

Dosage and Direction

Take with a full glass of water with or without food. Regular use ensures the best results.

• Do not start treatment until a negative naloxone challenge test is confirmed.
• The initial dose is 20 mg, followed by monitoring for one hour.
• If no withdrawal symptoms appear, the remaining daily dose is given.
• The average dose is 50 mg per day, which blocks 25 mg of heroin.
• Doctors may gradually increase the dose as needed.
• Follow your doctor's prescription exactly; never adjust treatment without approval.

Precautions

• Consult your doctor before taking cold, cough, diarrhea, or pain medications.
• Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease or a bleeding disorder.
• Naltrexone may impair concentration.
• Do not try to counteract its effects with narcotics or alcohol, this can be fatal.
• A family member should monitor treatment for safety.
• Avoid narcotics and alcohol while on naltrexone.

Contraindications

• Do not use if allergic to naltrexone.
• Not for active narcotic addiction or recent (7-10 days) alcohol/narcotic use.
• Avoid if experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
• Not for patients taking opiates, analgesics, or those with acute hepatitis or liver failure.

Possible Side Effects

• Allergic reactions, blurred vision, eye problems
• Mood swings, hallucinations, confusion, suicidal thoughts
• Fast heartbeat, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain
• Low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
• Ringing in the ears, ear pain, wheezing, difficulty breathing

Drug Interactions

Naltrexone reduces the effects of opioid-containing drugs, including cough suppressants, pain relievers, and antitussives.

• Inform your doctor about all medications, including:
• Buprenorphine (Buprenex, Subutex)
• Codeine (Tylenol with codeine)
• Hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin)
• Methadone (Dolophine, Methadose)
• Morphine (Kadian, MS Contin)
• Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
• And other opioids.

Missed Dose

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• Do not double the dose if it is almost time for the next one.
• Continue with the regular schedule the next day.

Overdose

Seek emergency help if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms may include:

• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

Storage

• Store in a dry, airtight container at 15-30°C (59-86°F).
• Keep away from sunlight, children, and pets.

Disclaimer

This information is for general knowledge and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your doctor before treatment. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment are not recommended. We are not liable for any misuse of this information.