An opioid receptor antagonist medication used to treat both opioid and alcohol use disorders by blocking the rewarding effects of these substances. Unlike naloxone, it's taken regularly as a preventive treatment rather than for emergency reversal.
Derived from 'nal-' (N-allyl group that blocks opioid activity) and '-trexone' (a suffix variation in opioid antagonist nomenclature). Developed as a longer-acting version of naloxone for maintenance therapy rather than emergency use.
Naltrexone works by blocking the brain's reward pathways - when someone on naltrexone drinks alcohol or uses opioids, they simply don't feel the pleasurable effects, making continued use pointless. It's like installing a biological 'firewall' against addiction, but it requires strong motivation since patients must choose to take it daily knowing it will block any potential high.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.