Naltrexone for opioid use disorder should be started after withdrawal and is available in which formulations?

Naltrexone for opioid use disorder should be started after withdrawal and is available in which formulations?

• A. Intravenous infusion only
• B. Oral or intramuscular
• C. Transdermal patch only
• D. Subcutaneous implant

Answer: (B)

Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, so it should be started only after a period of withdrawal when the patient is opioid-free to avoid precipitating withdrawal. It is available in two common approved forms for opioid use disorder: an oral tablet taken daily and an extended-release intramuscular injection given about once a month. The oral form requires daily dosing and relies on the patient’s adherence, while the long-acting injectable provides continuous blockade for four weeks, which can improve retention in treatment. Other routes listed, such as intravenous infusion, a transdermal patch, or a subcutaneous implant, are not standardly used for initiating or maintaining treatment in opioid use disorder.

Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, so it should be started only after a period of withdrawal when the patient is opioid-free to avoid precipitating withdrawal. It is available in two common approved forms for opioid use disorder: an oral tablet taken daily and an extended-release intramuscular injection given about once a month. The oral form requires daily dosing and relies on the patient’s adherence, while the long-acting injectable provides continuous blockade for four weeks, which can improve retention in treatment. Other routes listed, such as intravenous infusion, a transdermal patch, or a subcutaneous implant, are not standardly used for initiating or maintaining treatment in opioid use disorder.