Description

Naltrexone hydrochloride is an opioid receptor antagonist that is used in veterinary medicine to block receptors as a reversal agent for opiate agonists such as butorphanol. It is also used for the treatment of recurring, compulsive animal behavior disorders such as tail-chasing and self-mutilation such as acral lick dermatitis.¹

Naltrexone is currently under study for possible application in a wide range of other therapeutic areas within veterinary medicine, such as in in treating lymphoma, adenomas, nasal/sinus cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and degenerative myelopathy.

The time from administration to Naltrexone taking full effect is reported to be between 1 to 2 hours, after which clinical signs should improve. The effects of this medication are short-lived, meaning they will stop working within 24 hours, although the benefits may be prolonged if an animal has decreased kidney and/or liver function.²

Naltrexone may cause abdominal cramping, nausea & vomiting, nervousness, insomnia, joint or muscle pain, skin rashes, and itching. Liver toxicity is possible with high doses. Additional behavior modification techniques may be required to reduce undesired behaviors in small animals and exotics.

Pregnant women and people who are allergic to this drug should be very careful not to accidentally take it. Because this drug has a higher risk for causing birth defects, pregnant women should wear disposable gloves when giving doses or handling the drug and avoid inhaling any dust from split or crushed tablets. Skin or eyes exposed to powder or liquids containing the drug should immediately be washed or rinsed off thoroughly.²

Naltrexone 25 mg/ml by NexGen provides excellent performance as an opioid receptor antagonist, and in diagnosing and treating behavioral conditions in small and exotic animals.