Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take naltrexone regularly as ordered by your doctor. It may be helpful to have someone else, such as a family member, doctor, or nurse, give you each dose as scheduled.

You will need to stop using opioids (narcotics) for at least 7 to 10 days before you can start taking naltrexone. Your doctor may need to do the naloxone challenge test or a urine test for opioids to make sure you are opioid-free.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For alcoholism:
      • Adults—50 milligrams (mg) once a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For narcotic addiction:
      • Adults—At first, 25 milligrams (mg) (one-half tablet) for the first dose, then another 25 mg 1 hour later. After that, the dose is 350 mg per week. Your doctor will direct you to divide up this weekly dose and take naltrexone according to one of the following schedules:
        • 50 mg (one tablet) every day; or
        • 50 mg a day during the week and 100 mg (two tablets) on Saturday; or
        • 100 mg every other day; or
        • 150 mg every 3 days.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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