Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: NALTREXONE (nal-TREX-zone)
This medicine is a narcotic antagonist used to treat alcohol or narcotic addiction. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: Naltrexone can cause liver problems when given in doses that are too large. Stop using this medicine and seek immediate medical help if symptoms of liver problems develop such as abdominal or stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin, or dark urine. This medicine must not be used in patients who already have liver problems (e.g., hepatitis, liver failure). Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of liver conditions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. IF THIS MEDICINE UPSETS YOUR STOMACH, take it with a meal. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, and you are taking 1 dose daily, do not try to make up the missed dose by doubling the dose the next day. Take the next scheduled dose and consult your doctor.
KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL SURGERY OR EMERGENCY TREATMENTS, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. AVOID ALCOHOL while you are using this medicine. This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, constipation, joint and muscle pain, headache, difficulty sleeping, nervousness, or depressed mood. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience abdominal pain and cramping, vomiting, unusual tiredness or weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or skin rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Carry an identification card at all times that says are you taking this medicine. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.