NALTREXONE

Brand & Generic Names

Trexan

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Narcotic antagonist

Uses

Treats detoxified former narcotic addicts. It helps maintain a drug-free state.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Don't take at all until detoxification has been accomplished.
Tablets--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food.

When to take:
At the same time every day or every other day as directed.

If you forget a dose:
Follow detailed instructions from the one who prescribed for you.

What drug does:
Binds to opiod receptors in the central nervous system and prohibits the effects of narcotic drugs.

Time lapse before drug works:
1 hour.

Don't take with:
Narcotics.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Seizures, coma.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Hallucinations, Seek emergency very fast heartbeat, treatment immediately. fainting, breathing difficulties.

Common:

Skin rash, chills, constipation, appetite loss, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, headache, nausea, vomiting.

Infrequent:

• Nosebleeds, joint pain.
• Abdominal pain, blurred vision, confusion, earache, fever, hallucinations, depression, diarrhea, common cold symptoms.

Rare:

• Pain, tenderness or color change in feet.
• Ringing in ears, swollen glands, decreased sex drive.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You don't have close medical supervision.
• You are currently dependent on drugs.
• You have severe liver disease.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have mild liver disease.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. You may need smaller doses for shorter periods of time.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Safety not established. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Not recommended.

Prolonged use:

• Not recommended.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check kidney function.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:

• Probably not effective in treating people addicted to substances other than opium or morphine derivatives.
• Must be given under close supervision by people experienced in using naltrexone to treat addicts.
• Attempting to use narcotics to overcome effects of naltrexone may lead to coma and death.
• Withdraw several days prior to expected surgery.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Narcotic medicines*	Precipitates withdrawal
(butorphenal,	symptoms. May lead to cardiac
codeine, heroin,	arrest, coma and death.
Isoniazid	Increased risk of liver damage.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Unpredictable effects. Avoid.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Unpredictable effects. Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Unpredictable effects. Avoid.
Tobacco:	None expected.