How To Administer Naltrexone

Naltrexone is a medication prescribed to treat both alcohol dependence and opioid use disorder, and it comes in two distinct forms depending on what fits a person’s treatment plan best. Oral naltrexone (Revia, Depade) is taken as a daily pill, while the injectable form, Vivitrol, is administered once a month by a healthcare provider. Both versions work the same way in the body, but how they’re given, and who can give them, differs quite a bit.

Getting the administration right matters. If someone is taking naltrexone at home or receiving it as an injection at a clinic, following the correct process helps ensure the medication works as intended and reduces the risk of complications.

Administering Oral Naltrexone

Oral naltrexone (Revia) refers to naltrexone tablets, or pills. These can be prescribed by a licensed prescriber, such as a doctor, for alcohol use disorder or alcohol dependence. Naltrexone pills can be taken at home, or be offered within a rehab clinic or treatment center as part of an addiction treatment program.

Oral naltrexone is swallowed by mouth. It should not be chewed, crushed, or injected. It is typically directed for once-daily use.

Administering Injectable Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

The extended-release injectable form of naltrexone (Vivitrol) is a naltrexone shot that is administered once-monthly. It is FDA-approved for both alcohol and opioid use disorder. Unlike oral naltrexone, Vivitrol can only be prepared and administered by a medical professional, such as a physician, nurse, or physician’s assistant.

Vivitrol is administered by a medical professional into the upper, outer quadrant of a gluteal muscle (the buttocks), alternating sides of the buttocks for each successive injection.

What To Know About Administering Vivitrol

Since Vivitrol is only given by a healthcare professional, there are a few important details worth understanding about how the injection works.

Here is general information about how to administer Vivitrol:

• Injection Site: Vivitrol should not be administered subcutaneously (under the skin) or intravenously (into the vein). This could cause a severe reaction at the injection site.
• Supplies: Vivitrol comes in a kit with customized needles. Vivitrol should not be administered with any other needle.
• Frequency: Vivitrol is administered once a month, or every four weeks, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for drug or alcohol addiction.
• Opioid Use: People with opioid use disorder should be opioid-free (fully detoxed from opioids) before receiving naltrexone to avoid the risk of precipitated withdrawal.

Following these guidelines closely helps ensure the medication is both safe and effective as part of an ongoing treatment plan.

Missing A Dose Of Naltrexone

If you forget to take a dose of oral naltrexone, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose, in which case it’s best to skip the missed one rather than double up. For Vivitrol, since it’s administered monthly by a healthcare provider, missing an appointment means contacting your provider as soon as possible to reschedule, since timing matters for maintaining consistent coverage. In either case, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about a plan for missed doses before you need it.

FAQs About Administering Naltrexone

Naltrexone is FDA-approved as a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) option for alcohol and opiate addiction. Find answers below to frequently asked questions about how to administer naltrexone.

❓ Should Naltrexone Be Taken With Food?

✔️ Oral naltrexone can be taken with or without food. Taking naltrexone with a meal may help prevent upset stomach and nausea, both of which are common side effects of naltrexone.

❓ Should Naltrexone Be Taken At Night?

✔️ There is no specified time of day for when naltrexone should be taken. For best results, take the medication as ordered by your doctor. This medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness.

❓ Who Can Administer Naltrexone?

✔️ Oral naltrexone can be taken at home, or be dispensed within a rehab clinic as part of an alcohol abuse rehab program.

Vivitrol, the injectable form of naltrexone, can only be administered by a healthcare provider. It is not available in generic form, nor is it prescribed for take-home use.

❓ What Happens After Taking Vivitrol?

✔️ Vivitrol is an extended-release formulation of naltrexone that may begin to take effect about two hours following the injection. Mild side effects may occur at the injection site.

Potential side effects at the injection site may include:

• pain
• swelling
• tenderness
• bruising
• skin redness
• itchy skin

Side effects can be severe if Vivitrol isn’t administered properly. If a severe reaction occurs after receiving Vivitrol, contact your prescribing doctor for further guidance.

❓ How Often Is Naltrexone Taken?

✔️ Most people are directed to take oral naltrexone once-daily. Vivitrol is administered once a month. How often you’re directed to take naltrexone can vary on an individual basis.

Read more about how often Naltrexone should be taken