Long-acting depot formulations of naltrexone for heroin dependence: a review

• Published in: Current opinion in psychiatry Vol. 23; no. 3; p. 210
• Main Authors: Krupitsky, Evgeny M, Blokhina, Elena A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.05.2010
• Subjects: Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Implants; Heroin Dependence - psychology; Heroin Dependence - rehabilitation; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Medication Adherence - psychology; Naltrexone - administration & dosage; Naltrexone - adverse effects; Narcotic Antagonists - administration & dosage; Narcotic Antagonists - adverse effects; Secondary Prevention
• ISSN: 1473-6578
• DOI: 10.1097/YCO.0b013e3283386578

The major problem with the oral formulation of naltrexone for heroin dependence is poor compliance (adherence). Long-acting sustained release formulations of naltrexone (implantable and injectable) might help to improve compliance and, thus, increase the efficacy of abstinence-oriented treatment of heroin dependence with naltrexone. There have been several implantable and injectable formulations of naltrexone developed within the last decade. It was demonstrated that some of them are effective and relatively well tolerated medications for relapse prevention in heroin addicts. However, advantages and disadvantages of these new medications have never been systematically analyzed. Long-acting sustained release formulations of naltrexone are well tolerated and more effective for relapse prevention in heroin addicts than the oral ones.