What is naltrexone (oral)?
Naltrexone oral is an special narcotic drug that blocks the effects of other narcotic medicines
and alcohol.
Naltrexone oral is used to treat narcotic drug or alcohol addiction..
Naltrexone oral may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking naltrexone (oral)?
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to naltrexone, or if you have:
-
an addiction to narcotics;
-
a history of alcohol or narcotic drug use within the past
7-10 days; or
-
drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Before taking naltrexone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or
if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or
special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your
doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether naltrexone oral passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take naltrexone (oral)?
Use naltrexone oral exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger
amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription
label.
Take the naltrexone oral tablet with a full glass of water.
You may take the naltrexone oral tablet with food to decrease stomach upset.
It is important to take naltrexone oral regularly to get the most benefit.
Your doctor may recommend that naltrexone oral be given to you by a family member or other
caregiver. This is to make sure you are using the medicine as it was prescribed as part of your
treatment.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are using naltrexone, in
case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should
know that you are using this medication.
Additional forms of counseling and/or monitoring may be recommended during treatment with
naltrexone oral.
Store naltrexone oral tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of naltrexone (oral)?
Take the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about naltrexone (oral)?
Your pharmacist has information about naltrexone (oral) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of naltrexone (oral)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using naltrexone oral and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side
effects:
-
blurred vision or eye problems;
-
fast heartbeat;
-
mood changes, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things),
confusion, thoughts of hurting yourself;
-
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark
urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
-
ear pain, ringing in your ears;
-
skin rash or itching; or
-
wheezing, difficulty breathing.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
feeling anxious, nervous, restless, or irritable;
-
feeling light-headed, fainting;
-
increased thirst;
-
muscle or joint aches;
-
weakness or tiredness;
-
sleep problems (insomnia); or
-
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an
orgasm.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about naltrexone (oral)?
Your doctor may recommend that naltrexone oral be given to you by a family member or other
caregiver. This is to make sure you are using the medicine as it was prescribed as part of your
treatment.
Do not use narcotic drugs or alcohol while taking naltrexone oral. Never try to overcome
the effects of the medication by taking large doses of narcotic drugs or alcohol. Doing so could result in
dangerous effects, including coma and death. Ask your doctor before using any prescription or
over-the-counter medicine to treat a cold, cough, diarrhea, or pain while taking naltrexone oral. These
medicines may contain narcotics or alcohol.
Naltrexone oral can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are using naltrexone, in
case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should
know that you are using this medication.
Additional forms of counseling and/or monitoring may be recommended during treatment with
naltrexone oral.
What should I avoid while taking naltrexone (oral)?
Naltrexone oral can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Do not use narcotic drugs or alcohol while taking naltrexone oral. Never try to overcome
the effects of the medication by taking large doses of narcotic drugs or alcohol. Doing so could result in
dangerous effects, including coma and death. Ask your doctor before using any prescription or
over-the-counter medicine to treat a cold, cough, diarrhea, or pain while taking naltrexone oral. These
medicines may contain narcotics or alcohol.
What other drugs will affect naltrexone (oral)?
The pain-relieving effects of any narcotic pain medications you use will be blocked if you use
them during your treatment with naltrexone oral. Harmful side effects could also occur.
Before using naltrexone, tell your doctor if you use any of the following drugs:
-
buprenorphine (Buprenex, Subutex);
-
butorphanol (Stadol);
-
codeine (Tylenol with codeine);
-
hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin);
-
dezocine (Dalgan);
-
hydromorphone (Dilaudid);
-
levorphanol (Levo-Dromoran);
-
meperidine (Demerol);
-
methadone (Dolophine, Methadose);
-
morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Roxanol);
-
nalbuphine (Nubain);
-
nalmefene (Revex);
-
naloxone (Narcan);
-
oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Percocet);
-
oxymorphone (Numorphan); or
-
propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet).
This list it not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
naltrexone oral. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.
This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start
using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of naltrexone (oral)?