Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, designed to block the effects of opioids such as codeine, morphine, and oxycodone. Initially developed to treat opioid addiction, a standard dose to address this condition is typically 50 mg taken once daily. Additionally, naltrexone is prescribed to help reduce alcohol dependence, although the exact mechanism by which it curbs the urge to drink is not fully understood. Low-Dose NaltrexoneLow-dose naltrexone refers to the use of naltrexone at significantly lower doses, typically ranging from 1.5 mg to 4.5 mg taken once daily. Unlike standard doses, low-dose naltrexone is not commercially available in Canada, but it can be specially compounded by pharmacies. This formulation is usually prepared as oral capsules, allowing for convenient storage at room temperature and extending the expiry date compared to the liquid formulation, which requires refrigeration. Low-dose naltrexone is used 'off-label' for treating various chronic pain disorders, including fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), multiple sclerosis, and abdominal pain or inflammatory bowel conditions. Research suggests that low-dose naltrexone may help lower levels of inflammatory chemical messengers in the central nervous system, impacting pain signaling pathways. At our compounding pharmacy, we offer the option to create custom formulations of low-dose naltrexone to address individual patient needs. If you have questions or would like to know more about how we can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
