Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist used primarily in the management of alcohol dependence and opioid dependence. It is marketed as its hydrochloride salt, naltrexone hydrochloride, under the trade name Revia. In some countries, an extended-release formulation is marketed under the trade name Vivitrol.
Chemical Structure
Naltrexone can be described as a substituted
oxymorphone – here the
tertiary amine methyl-substituent is replaced with
methylcyclopropane.
Pharmacology
Naltrexone, and its active
metabolite 6-β-naltrexol, are
competitive antagonists at μ- and κ-opioid receptors, and to a lesser extent at δ-opioid receptors. This blockade of opioid receptors is the basis behind its action in the management of opioid dependence—it reversibly blocks or attenuates the effects of opioids.
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